PSL is okay but Pakistan cricket needs more than that

Pakistan cricketers, after humiliating defeats at the hands New Zealand both in the T20 series as well as ODIs, are back home for the much PSL- 10.

Organsing Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Pakistan is all encouraging as being a Pakistan brand in the world over. With players representing almost all the major cricket-playing countries of the world, it projects Pakistan’s good image and also as being a safe country for the visitors from all over the globe.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seems all out for the best possible arrangements for the PSL-10 including the foolproof security arrangements at all the venues of the country i.e. Karachi, Multan, Lahore and Rawalpindi.

All the six franchises have made their preparations well for Pakistan’s this mega event

and as such have tried to pick their best squads for the PSL-10.All the teams are determined to make their best efforts to remain on top to bag the tournament trophy.

Excitement reached new heights as Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi was chosen to host the opening ceremony of the 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL-10).

It was be for the first time in PSL history that Rawalpindi was picked for the as host for the opening ceremony of the event.

Six teams are competing across four venues.PSL-10 is being participated by six franchises but PCB plans to increase the number for the next PSL season i.e. 2026. The six teams featuring in the PSL this year, like the last session are Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators.

Moreover the PSL is all set to revolutionise cricket broadcasting this season with the introduction of Player Tracking Technology..

This innovation will enhance the viewing experience for fans by providing detailed, ball-by-ball insights into various aspects of the game.

The state-of-the-art system will monitor players’ movements on the field, including fielders’ coordinates, bowlers’ run-ups, and batters’ stances. The gathered data will be analysed and displayed as statistical graphics on-screen, offering fans a dynamic understanding of each delivery.

Alongside Player Tracking Technology, the tournament will feature DRS technology, drone cameras, and Augmented Reality (AR) graphics, making this season a visual and technological treat for cricket enthusiasts.

It is all praiseworthy that in the recent past PCB made all its efforts to successfully host Champions Trophy and now is all out to make the PSL-10 attractive and competitive and of course to be no less than any cricketing league of the world yet it is also PCB’s responsibility to put declining Pakistan cricket on right track so that nation could see Pakistan as winning outfit in the coming international cricketing events.

Pakistan cricket, a sport that commands a massive fan following both within the country and around the world, is witnessing a troubling decline which we saw during last Asia Cup, T20 WC in USA, Champions Trophy 2025 and lastly in New Zealand tour.

Pakistan´s brittle batting was exposed again and again during they New Zealand,both in T20s and OPDIs.

Ben Sears-inspired New Zealand won the third and final one-day international to sweep the series 3-0.

The tourists were dismissed for 221 off 40 overs in response to New Zealand´s 264-8, in a match shortened to 42 overs after a delayed start at Mount Maunganui.

It followed the pattern of the first two games, with the hosts winning the opener in Napier by 73 runs, followed by an 84-run victory in Hamilton.

New Zealand also dominated the preceding T20 series, winning 4-1.

Pakistan struggled throughout the tour to adjust to the sustained bounce and movement of New Zealand´s seam attack and their batsmen were again guilty of rash shots.

Aggressive pace bowler Sears claimed 5-34 to follow his five-wicket bag in Hamilton, with four of his victims falling to short-pitched deliveries.

Now is the high time to mull future of troubled and declining Pakistan cricket. If corrective measures are not taken urgently, it may soon share the same unfortunate fate as Pakistan’s national sport, hockey, which fell from its former glory into obscurity.

The fervour for cricket in Pakistan peaked after the historic 1992 World Cup win, with millions passionately supporting the national team in every bilateral series and ICC event. However, in recent years, a clear decline in both team performance and public interest has been observed. Fans, who once dedicated hours watching ODI matches and five-day Test encounters, are now prioritising other interests.

This shift is alarming for Pakistan cricket, as reduced fan engagement can have serious repercussions for the sport’s sustainability and financial viability.

A worrying trend has emerged where fans are increasingly losing faith in their cricketing heroes. Subpar performances, lack of consistency, and questionable team selections have fueled frustration. As fewer people watch live matches, cricket broadcasting revenues decline, and the sport loses its mainstream appeal. This could ultimately push Pakistan cricket down the same path as hockey, where a once-thriving sport gradually faded into irrelevance due to dwindling public support and lack of institutional backing.

Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure now needs a complete overhaul. Strong domestic competitions are the backbone of any successful cricketing nation. The authorities must invest in domestic tournaments, ensuring that they are competitive, well-organised, and financially rewarding for players.

This will provide a steady pipeline of talent for the national team.

A strong cricket board with competent leadership is essential to implementing these reforms. The PCB must be run by professionals who prioritise the sport’s development over personal interests.

Pakistan cricket stands at a crossroads. The current downward trend, if not addressed, could lead to a devastating decline similar to that of hockey. However, with the right strategies and commitment from cricketing authorities, Pakistan can reclaim its former glory.

As such only cricketing brains, and not political minds, can put Pakistan cruicket on right track.

The solutions are clear-merit-based selection, domestic cricket improvement, prioritizing longer formats, developing young talent, reviving school and club cricket, and re-engaging with fans. If the Pakistan Cricket Board and other stakeholders take immediate and decisive action, they can prevent Pakistan cricket from meeting the same unfortunate fate as hockey.

Pakistan cricket still has the potential to be a dominant force in world cricket. But to achieve this, the sport must be nurtured, protected, and continuously improved. The time to act is now, before it’s too late.

The Road Ahead: Revamp Domestic Cricket:

A strong domestic structure is the backbone of any successful cricketing nation. PCB must ensure fair elections for regional associations, eliminate fake clubs, and create a system that produces match-winning talent.

Selection Based on Merit, Not Politics: Selection policies must prioritise form, experience, and suitability to conditions rather than favoritism or external pressures.

Long-Term Vision for Team Development: The PCB needs a structured plan to nurture young talent, ensure consistency in team selection, and avoid hasty decisions that derail progress.

Avoid Emotional and Reactionary Decisions: Pakistan cricket has historically been plagued by impulsive leadership changes and abrupt overhauls. Stability and strategic planning are key to sustained success.

sarfraznews@hotmail.com

Click here to read article