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Azhar Ali: ‘Pakistan cricket cannot change in the space of a year’

Azhar Ali Calls for Long-Term Vision to Revive Pakistan Cricket's Glory Days

The Guardian Sport•
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AI Summary

Azhar Ali, a vital figure in Pakistan cricket's rise from the depths of the 2010 spot-fixing scandal to the pinnacle of the Test rankings, expresses deep concern over the current state of the national team. Following a disastrous tour of England, which saw Pakistan suffer humiliating defeats at Headingley and Lord’s, the situation has escalated, resulting in the dismissal of seven players and the departure of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed. Even respected figures like Shahid Afridi have labeled these events as unprecedented.

Azhar highlights the alarming trend of Pakistan’s cricket, noting that it has shifted from unpredictable highs and lows to a troubling consistency in poor performances. He urges a need for a stable vision and strategic planning to reignite the passion of the fans, stating, "Cricket in Pakistan needs proper care and a vision that gives hope to a nation on the brink of losing their appetite."

The team currently sits at the bottom of the World Test Championship, having lost 15 of their last 20 matches. Azhar sympathizes with Babar Azam, the captain facing immense pressure, and criticizes the blame culture emerging within the team. He calls out Aaqib Javed, high-performance director, for failing to take responsibility for the team's struggles.

Azhar stresses the importance of investing in a stable domestic structure and nurturing fast bowlers, emphasizing that Pakistan must create an environment that inspires players to excel. He concludes that while immediate changes are unrealistic, a commitment to long-term development could restore Pakistan cricket's former glory over the next four to five years.

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