The shorter the format, the greater the chance of upsets and weaker teams defying the odds. Look at last year's T20 World Cup when Namibia beat Sri Lanka, Netherlands beat South Africa, Ireland beat England etc.
Now I actually don't mind National T20 being an inclusive, FA Cup style tournament because the PSL exists as the premier T20 competition. It's basically an audition for PSL contracts.
My problem is with the FC competition which Misbah and Hafeez reintroduced that's clearly been a step backwards in competitive quality to anyone with a pair of eyes. It's also reignited the tiresome debates about regional and departmental cricket.
It's obvious the views of some here regarding the old 6 team system is prejudiced by their views on Imran Khan, pro or anti. However let's concentrate on the cricketing arguments.
1) What's the function of FC cricket ? To serve as a pipeline of talent into the national team. There cannot be any other reason because FC cricket isn't a viable commercial property anywhere in the world. It's sustained purely by cricketing considerations.
2) To achieve this purpose, the standard of competition must be sufficiently high so players are adequately prepared for the rigours of international cricket.
3) That begs the question - how many teams is enough ? How do you define the balance between the conflicting goals of elite level competition and ensuring maximum participation ? It's difficult and subjective, but both can be achieved with the right system.
Prioritise quality over quantity at FC level but have a broader 2nd XI competition that sits below it acknowledging Pakistan has a much bigger playing base than most nations. We could've continued with a 6 provincial QEA Trophy but expanded the 2nd XI tournament to 12-16 city teams. Instead we threw out the baby with the bathwater due to ego and politics.
