Former Pakistan cricket captain Zaheer Abbas has expressed his disappointment with the current state of Pakistani cricket, criticizing players’ excessive focus on money and the lack of understanding among those running the sport. Abbas, famously known as the “Asian Bradman,” also attributed the decline of Pakistan cricket to the overwhelming emphasis on T20 cricket and the influx of money that has shifted the focus of players away from the game.
Speaking at the ‘Cricket Predicta Conclave’, Abbas reflected on the current state of Pakistan cricket with grave concern and lamented, “There’s too much T20 cricket being played in Pakistan, and because of that, our players have forgotten the essence of Test cricket. This is why we’re not performing well in the longer format.”
Abbas, who took Pakistan cricket to unprecedented heights during his playing career, expressed dismay over the modern players’ preoccupation with financial gain. “So much money has come into cricket that the players today are only focused on making money, and their attention is diverted from the game itself,” he remarked.
This shift, according to Abbas, is one of the key reasons Pakistan has struggled to maintain its once-dominant position in international cricket, particularly in Test matches. The former Pakistan captain did not mince words when speaking about the leadership within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). “It is the misfortune of Pakistan cricket that those who run it do not understand cricket,” he said, expressing frustration with cricket administration in the country.
“We took Pakistan cricket to great heights. The world admired our cricket. But today, those in charge are only concerned with their own interests, not with cricket or the players.”
Abbas also touched upon the much-anticipated 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan. Advocating for a smooth cricketing exchange between India and Pakistan, Abbas said, “The Indian team should tour Pakistan, as it will promote cricket in the subcontinent, especially in Pakistan.”
He stressed that India’s presence in Pakistan would be a positive development, adding, “The Indian team is a great ambassador of cricket. If they come and play in Pakistan, it will take cricket forward in our country.”
The strained relationship between India and Pakistan has impacted their cricketing ties, with bilateral series between the two sides on hold for several years. Abbas’s appeal reflects a desire for renewed engagement between the neighboring countries, which would help revive cricket in Pakistan.
