Pakistan Cricket Team Poor Performance

February 26, 2025

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Team Pakistan’s Revival in Cricket – Plan 2.0

Pakistan’s squad has been under fire following their abysmal performances in the international circuit. The team has been eliminated from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy after suffering consecutive defeats against the formidable New Zealand and Indian teams.

In the T20 format, three bilateral series were held against Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa during the 2024-25 season. Out of all the three series played by Pakistan they lost 3-0 against Australia and 2-0 against South Africa. Only against Zimbabwe, a less competent team compared to them they did secure a series win of 2-1.

Like the other two, in the original format – Test cricket too, team Pakistan has exhibited a regressive performance. From 2020 until 2024, Pakistan test team has played 35 matches only – a number marginal in itself. Out of these 35 matches played, the team has won a mere 13 matches, taking the win percentage to 37%, which is appalling for a nation invested so heavily in cricket.

PCB, Mohammed Rizwan, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf

The country is known to have produced legendary players in the likes of Wasim Akram, Imran Khan, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar, Waqar Younis. The real issue has been the struggled to emulate their previous glittering form since 2020, which has declined with each passing year.

Back-to-back defeats and poor display of performance over the years require major shakeups to jolt the current lot of cricketers and undertake stern measures to prioritize their vision for the future victories. Tough times need tough calls to be taken. As a cricket enthusiast, seeing healthy competition among teams elevates the level of the game.

Even the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) leadership takes cognizance that there is no excuse or defense for the team’s abject failure across all the three formats – a matter of utter shame and misery. Team Pakistan can certainly revive their lost image and rise up to the glorious form they once proudly flaunted.

1. Inconsistency in Coaching – The regular ‘hire and fire’ approach for the team’s Head Coach position has created an inconsistency and impacted the performance levels. Several established names like Gary Kirsten, Jason Gillespie and now soon to depart the interim coach Aaqib Javed have all been replaced by the board, which makes each of them bring their own approach and undoubtedly creates a confusion.

2. Confused Management – The mix-up in the ideologies of the player selectors, coaches, support staff and the chairman only prove the saying ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’. A unified approach is needed, which provides clarity with a systematic plan to clean the dirt spread so far.

PCB, Mohammed Rizwan, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf

3. Team Shuffle – The current squad selection has raised numerous questions, with many players failing to deliver when it matters the most. Several players have been given ample opportunities but have consistently underperformed, either due to lack of form, fitness issues, or poor attitude. Some of the big names like Mohammed Rizwan, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf have received heavy flak for their deteriorating form and it’s only fair the emerging players are brought in to boost with some fresh talent.

4. Grassroot Circuit Cricket – Like the indispensable hold of BCCI on the domestic cricket tournaments – Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Duleep Trophy, Ranji Trophy and others – PCB also must imply strong rules on players to participate in the grassroot level leagues as a mandate. This not only improved their form and focus; but also maintains the integrity of the international matches to avoid any criticism.

5. Team Classification – The weak selection and pathetic team dynamics is a result of all the senior players repeatedly playing all the matches, even against less competitive and strong teams than Pakistan.

In matches against Zimbabwe, Nepal, Bangladesh etc. instead of the high performing players, newer talent can be promoted to provide exposure and create an alternate team. Much like the BCCI has India A and India B teams, our neighbors can also pivot this technique to show better results.

My Perspective:

Pakistan’s current squad without any second thoughts needs a revamp if they even remotely aspire to compete at the highest level of competitive cricket. The selection committee must adopt a fresh viewpoint and introduce feisty, hungry cricketers who can infuse thrilling energy and intent to the team.

The nation’s history of unearthing raw talent must be capitalized with the management compelled to take bold calls and invest in the game’s future. The ICC Champions Trophy debacle should serve as an eye-opener for Team Pakistan.