Pakistan’s premature exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked intense debate about the structural issues plaguing its cricketing ecosystem. Former opener Mudassar Nazar, a stalwart of the 1970s and 80s, has voiced concerns that Pakistan cricket could follow the same decline as its once-dominant hockey team if urgent reforms are not undertaken.
Lack of Stability at the Helm
Frequent leadership changes at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have led to instability in team management, with constant reshuffling of captains, coaches, and selectors. Nazar emphasized the importance of continuity, urging the PCB to retain captain Mohammad Rizwan and coach Aaqib Javed despite the disappointing campaign.
“If corrective measures aren’t taken now, Pakistan cricket could suffer the same fate as our hockey team, which failed to qualify for the last three Olympics and two of the last three World Cups,” Mudassar warned. “The only saving grace is the ICC revenue, but without structured reforms, that won't be enough.”
The Development Gap: Lessons from India
Nazar highlighted Pakistan’s inconsistent domestic cricket framework as a major reason for its struggles. Unlike India, where the Ranji Trophy has been a pillar of development since 1932, Pakistan frequently revamps its system, disrupting the feeder line of talent. “Every time I leave Pakistan, the academies shut down. How do you build a future that way?” he lamented.
Pakistan’s ability to unearth raw talent is undeniable, but in the modern game, raw talent alone isn’t sufficient. “Other teams have moved ahead because they have proper systems in place. Exceptional players alone won’t help if the structure isn’t solid,” he added.
Fast Bowling Woes: The Need for First-Class Cricket
The underperformance of Pakistan’s fast-bowling attack also raised concerns. Nazar pointed out that injury management and workload balance were key issues for pacers like Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Afridi. “Naseem has never had a consistent run without injuries. With every setback, self-doubt creeps in,” he explained. “The solution? Go back and play first-class cricket. That’s where confidence is rebuilt.”
Haris Rauf’s reluctance to play longer formats was another concern. “He only wants to play T20s, but if you can’t bowl 10-12 overs in first-class cricket, how do you expect to deliver four quality overs in an international T20?” Mudassar questioned.
Lack of Tactical Awareness and Modern Coaching
Cricket analysts such as Ramiz Raja and Wasim Akram have also weighed in on Pakistan’s struggles. Raja believes Pakistan’s tactical awareness is lagging compared to teams like India, England, and Australia. “Modern cricket requires adaptability, and we are still playing with an outdated mindset,” he remarked. “The PCB must invest in specialized coaching for different formats, rather than relying on traditional methods.”
Akram, a legendary fast bowler, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for Pakistan to have foreign coaches with modern techniques. “Look at England—they rebuilt their white-ball cricket by bringing in international expertise. We need to do the same rather than recycling the same faces in our coaching setup,” he suggested.
The Financial and Infrastructure Challenge
Another major hurdle is the financial and infrastructural disparity compared to top cricketing nations. Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq pointed out that the domestic structure lacks incentives for young cricketers. “How can we expect players to stay motivated when our domestic tournaments offer subpar facilities and financial instability?” he questioned. “We need to introduce long-term contracts and ensure players are well-compensated, just like in Australia and India.”
Revamping Pakistan’s Cricket Culture
Experts believe Pakistan must also focus on changing its cricketing culture. Former wicketkeeper Rashid Latif suggested that grassroots cricket should be prioritized. “We need proper scouting systems, not just rely on PSL performances. There are talented players in remote areas, but they don’t get exposure,” he said.
Psychological preparedness has also been a recurring issue. Pakistan’s performances in high-pressure games, particularly against India, have often been subpar. Sports psychologist Dr. Asad Rizvi suggests that players need structured mental conditioning. “You can have the best skills, but if you don’t have the temperament to perform under pressure, you’ll crumble. Our players need professional mental coaching,” he recommended.
Stability or Further Decline?
With Pakistan cricket at a crossroads, the call for stability and structured development is louder than ever. Will the PCB finally prioritize long-term growth over short-term fixes? Or is Pakistan cricket destined to follow hockey’s path into obscurity? Only time will tell, but the warning signs are too glaring to ignore.
Reforms in domestic cricket, coaching methodologies, financial stability, and mental conditioning must all be addressed. Otherwise, Pakistan may continue to lag behind as other teams surge ahead. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Pakistan cricket reinvents itself or falls deeper into crisis.