Preserving Pakistan’s cricketing legacy

Pakistan’s cricketing journey has long been marked by moments of brilliance followed by periods of decline. From the glory of the 1992 World Cup to the Test series victories abroad, the national team has repeatedly demonstrated flashes of greatness. Yet these successes have rarely been sustained. In recent years, the team’s inconsistency has become a defining feature. Losses in key Test series, an inability to compete consistently in limited-overs tournaments, and a worrying decline in overall standards point to deeper structural challenges.

This underperformance is particularly troubling given the resources invested in the sport. Cricket remains the most heavily funded discipline in Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) approved a budget of Rs 18.30 billion for FY 2025-26. By comparison, other sports federations in Pakistan operate on budgets that barely cross a fraction of this amount. Despite such significant investment, cricket has not produced the consistent results that would justify its privileged status as the country’s premier sport.

A closer look reveals why. Test cricket, once a source of pride, has seen Pakistan collapse against both established rivals and newer entrants into the format. Matches at home have not always provided the expected advantage, and away tours have highlighted gaps in preparation. This pattern underscores that funding alone does not guarantee performance. The structures that connect grassroots cricket to the international stage remain weak, leaving the pipeline of new talent fragile.

One of the key distortions is the misuse of youth quotas. Intended to bring younger players into the national squad, these seats are often used to accommodate veteran cricketers who no longer represent the future of the game. This practice blocks the natural transition that would allow younger players to gain experience and confidence on the international stage. It also disillusions domestic cricketers who see opportunities restricted despite years of consistent performance.

The PCB has sought to counter this by launching the Pathway Cricket Programme, which provides structured training for under-11, under-14, under-16, and under-19 players alongside academic support. While commendable, the reach of the programme remains limited to major cities. True reform requires building a broader ecosystem of academies, particularly in areas outside the established cricketing centres. Cities like Lahore and Karachi already produce a steady flow of players, but untapped potential in smaller towns and rural districts remains overlooked.

This imbalance is further reflected in financial allocations. In FY 2025-26, the PCB projected US$25.9 million in distributions from the International Cricket Council, equivalent to approximately Rs 7.7 billion. Large portions of these funds are earmarked for infrastructure projects such as stadium renovations in major cities. Modern facilities are undoubtedly necessary for hosting international cricket, but they cannot substitute for sustained investment in grassroots development. Without improving the foundations of the game, stadiums risk becoming symbols of misplaced priorities rather than vehicles for growth.

Selection practices also demand scrutiny. Decisions are often based more on reputation than on transparent, performance-based criteria. Players with long careers are given repeated chances despite declining form, while emerging talents struggle to gain visibility. This lack of meritocracy undermines trust in the system and prevents Pakistan from fielding squads that are competitive in the long term. Stronger domestic competitions, with better coaching, fitness standards, and financial incentives, are needed to prepare players for the rigours of international cricket.

The lessons of history underline the importance of reform. Pakistan’s golden eras in cricket were built on strong domestic structures and a culture of nurturing raw talent. From the days when tape-ball cricket in Karachi produced fast bowlers of international calibre to the provincial tournaments that introduced world-class batsmen, the strength of the pipeline mattered as much as the performance of the national team. Rebuilding that pipeline today requires decentralisation, where regional boards are empowered to scout and develop talent independently while still feeding into a national system.

Equally important is the need to expand opportunities for young players beyond the major cities. Quetta, Gilgit, Multan, and Sialkot all hold reservoirs of talent that remain underutilised. Creating academies and training centres in these regions could diversify the pool of players and allow Pakistan to rediscover the raw, fearless style of cricket that once made it unique. Linking school cricket, community leagues, and provincial tournaments to national selection pathways can provide a structured route for aspiring cricketers.

The narrative of Pakistan cricket is often framed through the highs and lows of individual matches. A dramatic win generates optimism, only for it to be undone by a sudden collapse days later. Yet these cycles are not accidents of fortune. They are products of deeper neglect in planning, management, and development. The real question is not whether Pakistan can win a match but whether it can build a system that produces excellence consistently over decades.

True reform will not be easy. It requires resisting the temptation of short-term fixes and instead committing to rebuilding the team from the ground up. Investment must be directed where it matters most: into people, not just facilities. Communities must be given the tools to cultivate players, and merit must become the guiding principle in selection. Only then can Pakistan preserve its cricketing legacy, not as a story of past glories occasionally revived, but as a living tradition capable of sustained excellence.