Pakistan cricket legend Zaheer Abbas has expressed his concerns over the decline of the sport in his country, citing the excessive focus on T20 cricket and the influx of money as major contributing factors.
Abbas, who played a pivotal role in elevating Pakistan cricket to great heights during his playing days, believes that the proliferation of T20 cricket has created an imbalance in the game. He lamented that players have become overly focused on the shorter format, neglecting the fundamentals of Test cricket.
“There’s too much T20 cricket being played in Pakistan, and because of that, our players have forgotten the essence of Test cricket,” Abbas said. “This is why we’re not performing well in the longer format.”
The former Pakistan captain also criticized the growing emphasis on financial gains among modern players. He believes that the pursuit of money has diverted their attention from the game itself.
“So much money has come into cricket that the players today are only focused on making money, and their attention is diverted from the game itself,” Abbas remarked.
Abbas also took aim at the leadership within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing them of lacking understanding of the game. He expressed frustration with the cricket administration in the country, which he believes is more concerned with personal interests than with the development of the sport.
“It is the misfortune of Pakistan cricket that those who run it do not understand cricket,” Abbas said. “We took Pakistan cricket to great heights. The world admired our cricket. But today, those in charge are only concerned with their own interests, not with cricket or the players.”
Despite the challenges facing Pakistan cricket, Abbas remains optimistic about the future. He believes that the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to take place in Pakistan, could provide a much-needed boost to the sport in the country.
Abbas called for smooth cricketing relations between India and Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of the Indian team as a great ambassador of the sport. He expressed hope that India’s participation in the Champions Trophy would help revive cricket in Pakistan.
“The Indian team is a great ambassador of cricket,” Abbas said. “If they come and play in Pakistan, it will take cricket forward in our country.”
