How Pakistan Cricket can make a comeback

Pakistan cricket has touched one low after another in the last few years, from a ban on hosting international matches to spot-fixing issues and board politics, all plaguing it at various times in the past decade. Despite all this, Pakistan has continued to produce a factory line of rare talents, who have had to fight against the deficiencies of the system to emerge as top class cricketers.

Pakistan have done well despite all this in the Test format, currently place at no. 3 in the ICC Test rankings. However, they have failed to compete well in the limited overs format, stumbling from one disaster to another in ODIs and T20s.

Now if I were at the helm of affairs at Pakistan cricket, I would be utterly disappointed at the current state of affairs. It has become a laughing stock of world cricket, and needs some serious revamp and restructuring to emerge as a top cricketing nation again.

Let us see a few steps that might help in the revival of Pakistan cricket.

Former players at the helm of running cricket affairs

For a long time, board politics has been affecting Pakistan cricket in a bad way. Most of the men running the game at domestic levels are non-player administrators, who do not have any idea about the grassroots level of the game.

It would be much better if, in their place, ex-cricketers were given control of running the affairs of the board. They will be better able to understand the requirements of players, and also, be more aware of the changes needed to stay competitive in the ever-evolving sports world.

Inzamam-ul-Haq took a hefty pay cut for PCB chief selector post

For example, they can put ex-international players in charge of coaching at various provinces, which won’t be a problem considering the number of great cricketers Pakistan has produced in the past.

The ex-players can use their wisdom obtained through years of playing first-class cricket in improving the standard of cricket in Pakistan from the grassroots level.

Strict measures against spot-fixing, betting and any illegal activities

Pakistan has also been embroiled into betting scandals over the years. In the 1990s, players like Saleem Malik were charged with spot-fixing and many international players complained of such activities happening with Pakistan cricket.

The recent Mohammed Amir fixing scandal rocked the entire cricketing world, and the youngster was banned from international cricket for 5 years.

It is high time Pakistan took strict action against such illegal activities and scandals so that their future generation of cricketers is not adversely affected by these ills.

Stability in leadership at the top

Pakistan has been notorious for chopping and changing its captains way too often

Pakistan has also been notorious for chopping and changing its captains way too often, creating an environment of insecurity and distrust amongst the players.

At one time in the early 2000s, there were around 10 players playing in the Pakistan team who had been captain of the squad at least once. Such hara-kiri can only lead to negative outcomes for any side.

Pakistan cricket witnessed the benefits of having Imran Khan at the helm of affairs in the 80s and early 90s, who made them a world class team. So, it is imperative now that Pakistan decides upon a long-term leadership option, grooms him and gives him a longer rope to work with.

Dealing with internal security situation

Pakistan has not seen much international cricket at home in the last decade. After the terror attacks on the Sri Lankan team on their tour of Pakistan in 2009, international cricket was completely banned in the country, with no teams willing to visit Pakistan because of security concerns.

The current situation in Pakistan hasn’t changed much with terrorist organizations creating havoc in the country and current security situation still being pathetic.

Pakistan needs to improve the internal security situation in the country, so that other sides and their boards are comfortable with sending their teams to Pakistan. Unless it sees a regular dose of international cricket at home, the situation will remain bad for Pakistan cricket to recover completely and get back to its glory days.