Today, a pressing concern for Pakistanis is the consistent decline of the Pakistani cricket team’s reputation on the global stage. There was a time in the 1980s and 1990s when the Pakistani team was considered one of the top teams internationally in Test, One-Day, and even T20 formats. This golden era saw Pakistan produce legendary cricketers who inspired millions and brought glory to the nation. However, the current scenario is markedly different, prompting an urgent need for introspection and reform.

The Impact of Terrorism on Pakistani Cricket

Undoubtedly, Pakistan’s cricket has been significantly impacted by terrorism in the country during the 1990s and 2000s. The nation was banned from hosting international games, and overseas teams refused to visit due to terror threats. Two major incidents led to a complete ban on international games in Pakistan. In 2009, a bomb blast targeted a bus carrying the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, and in 2002, New Zealand cancelled its tour following a terror attack in Karachi. Despite these challenges, first-class games continued domestically, and Pakistan hosted international matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Therefore, the decline in the standard and professionalism of the Pakistani national team cannot be solely attributed to external factors.

Talent and Innovation Amidst Adversity

Apart from the unstable conditions in the country, the primary reason for the national team’s struggles in modern competitive cricket, especially in the T20 format, is not a lack of talent, skills, or passion among individual players. Pakistani........

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