Legendary Pakistan cricketer Zaheer Abbas blamed the rising interest of players in T20 cricket for the downfall of their international cricket. Notably, Pakistan haven’t had a great time in international cricket over the past few years as they were recently beaten 0-2 by Bangladesh in a home Test series.
Pakistan haven’t registered a win in their last ten home Tests with their last win coming way back in February 2021. Earlier this year, they were knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2024 in the first stage itself after facing an embarrassing loss against USA.
Commenting on Pakistan’s shambolic performances at the international level, Abbas said that too much T20 cricket has taken the essence of Test cricket away. He also mentioned how the involvement of excess money has shifted the player’s attention from the game.
“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. 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,” Abbas was quoted as saying by ANI.
Further speaking ahead, the 77-year-old also called out the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) administration for prioritizing their personal interest over players.
It is the misfortune of Pakistan cricket that those who run it do not understand cricket: Abbas
“It is the misfortune of Pakistan cricket that those who run it do not understand cricket. 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,” he added.
Meanwhile, Babar Azam once again stepped down from captaincy of the white-ball formats following Pakistan’s dismal show in the T20 World Cup. According to reports, PCB are likely to name separate captains for both T20Is and ODIs. Pakistan will next take on England in a three-match Test series beginning from October 7. The Shan Masood-led side will be desperate for a win in the upcoming series to end their long win-less run in the longest format.
