Can Pakistan be a top four team (consistently) in all three formats?

[Kohli The King of Chase]

Let me begin by stating the difficulties of Pakistan cricket.

No games at home for a decade
No IPL
No series with India
No proper salaries
No merit
Fixing, Doping and players being banned

In a year by year basis

2007: Death of Bob woolmer, but reached finals of T20I WC
2008: Out of IPL
2009: Terrorist attacks and no cricket at home, but won T20I WC
2010: Spot fixing, Amir, Salman and Asif banned but reaches SF at the T20I WC
2011: Reaches 2011 SF
2012: Wins against India, in India and reaches SF at the T20I WC
2014: Hafeez and Ajmal banned
2015: Hafeez(bowling) and Hassan Raza banned
2016: Yasir banned
2017: Sharjeel, Latif and Hafeez(bowling) banned


After 2012, everything went downhill, as one can fight only for a certain time. But since 2016, tables changed

It's really great to see a team fighting it out despite all these difficulties for about a decade and I don't think any other team would have sustained these hurdles and still be a top team.

But, in the past year or two I've seen huge improvement in Pakistan team, especially off the field.

PSL
Selector: Inzi
Coach: Mickey
Captain: Sarfraz
And now PM: Imran, the legend

Slowly we've been seeing the progress, with young players coming in based on merit, Babar, Fakhar, Hasan, Shadab, Faheem, Shaheen, Usman, Imam, Yasir, Abbas and Amir(comeback). And out goes undeserving players like Afridi, Younis(odis), Misbah(odis), Azhar(odis), Shan, Shahzad, Wahab, Hafeez and Akmal brothers.

We've already witnessed their determination at the CT, temperament at the Lord's test(2018) and, fitness and fielding improvements.


Now Pakistan seems to be one of the "contender" for a top 4 spot atleast, at the 2019 WC.


Now slowly cricket is coming back home, No. of PSL teams are going to increase, Salaries are being increased and, leeches are being shown the door.

The position of Pakistan is

T20Is: 1
ODIs: 5
TESTs: 7

T20I: They were, they're and they always will be a top 4 team in T20I cricket.

ODI: They're ranked 5, and they have some serious talent at their disposal and, hungry youngsters who are not afraid to take on the challenges.

TEST: This is the actual test of their class and temperament. This will show as to how far this team has come. Yes, MisYou have left and, it's not easy to replace those guns but, it's what it is. With India(fixed for next 3 years in top 5), South Africa, New Zealand, England and Australia fighting and giving their 100% it's not easy to break in the top 4. But, that is where the challenge is. And, Pakistan did show some potential in the first test at Lord's.

Azhar, Asad, Babar and Sarfraz got to take responsibility in the batting, whereas Amir need to start supporting Abbas and Yasir. Whereas Shadab and Faheem need to give the necessary balance with both bat and ball.

Mickey has already said that he wants to make Pak top 3 in all 3 formats.

Can Pakistan be a top 4(consistently) team in all 3 formats? And, if yes, how long before they reach top 4 in all 3 formats.

 

[Canford Cliffs]

Pakistan were never a consistent team even back in 90s with all the legends. They are a mercurial side and will always remain one.

Pak cricket - "One minute down..next minute up"

 

[Pakhs]

In ODIS and T20s they are pretty much already there! Tests the team is less experienced than the teams above them, they may get there eventually once the current team reaches their peak! but to be there in Tests consistently the domestic system needs to be of better quality so if the like of Younis or Misbah go in the future the replacements are ready. but in LOIs Pakistan has nearly always been top 4 team yes there was 4/5 year period where we were horrendous but that was hopefully just an aberration.

 

[Justcrazy]

If Pakistan make right selections , they should easily be in the top 3 teams in all formats.

 

[Mamoon]

No, we don’t have the talent for that. It is not possible to become a top team across formats unless you have 4-5 elite players and a captain who is a top class performer and leads from the front.

Do we have that? No we don’t, but that’s okay because Sarfraz is a much better captain than Kohli and we thrashed India by 180 runs in the Champions Trophy Final.

We might maintain our artificial ranking in T20Is for a while, but we are not getting into the top three rankings for Tests and ODIs, because those are the formats that teams take seriously and usually pick their best XIs.

 

[Hasan123]

As long as ditch the deadwood and select the right players and they are given enough time to adapt to international cricket we will be fine.

 

[The_Odd_One]

As long as Sarfraz keeps lifting trophies rankings won't matter. What's the point of being the #1 team under the captaincy of #1 batsman and still getting thrashed in all important games and series?

 

[giri26]

Yes they can be as they have a good young team. At least for the shorter formats.

 

[blackanhyellow]

As long as Sarfraz keeps lifting trophies rankings won't matter. What's the point of being the #1 team under the captaincy of #1 batsman and still getting thrashed in all important games and series?

I agree.

Ideally would like to be number 1 in all formats and lift cups consistently.

But no team in the world is this dominant atm.

Rankings dont always equal winning major tournaments.

If I had to choose between rankings and lifting cups, I would choose the cups.

 

[Slim]

Easily.

IPL is irrelevant to us. We have a young team with quality prospects.

 

[Stewie]

Pakistan will always be hovering somewhere around the top tier if not in top three in all formats. We have had a tumultuous time since Imran Khan left the captaincy seat with various issues but since 2010, A HUGE THANKS to misbah ( I think that guys overall contribution to our cricket is immensely under rated) and also some smart behind the scene decisions and work done by the board in terms of the coach, etc has been quietly but surely paying off for Pakistan.

There was a time when we had issues with bowling actions of shabbir, fixing, doping, etc etc but since 2010 how many negative light has the team been under?

Typically bad apples and guilty players are immediately disciplined now (shehzad, akmal) there is no more diva culture, most players are in equal footing now and best of all they are mostly young. The captain is humble and quietly focused like Misbah and as long as this work is continued and we don’t try anything different, it all looks well for us..

If anything we have probably proven that we have such a strong cricketing pedigree that not playing proper home games or IPL has not affected us as it would have other teams.

 

[lehen]

Pakistan have better batsmen than us as a unit now for quite some time, if they can improve their fielding a bit, they can easily be top 3in all 3 formats, a better overall team than INDIA atm

 

[Stewie]

Pakistan have better batsmen than us as a unit now for quite some time, if they can improve their fielding a bit, they can easily be top 3in all 3 formats, a better overall team than INDIA atm

I won’t go that far in claiming our batting is better than India but it’s efficient, let’s just say that. Also our fielding is not as bad in my opinion and is on an upswing. We just need players to bring consistency in performance, which is what Misbah brought to the team given our mercurial nature.

But overall we will always have that X factor to topple anyone on our day. Which is what keeps bringing the most jaded of Pakistan fans back for more!

 

[Shutdown Corner]

What does IPL have to do with a team's rankings? Even with IPL, India hasn't won a WT20 since the the tournament's inauguration. I'd imagine it has even less to do with a team's ODI or Test performance.

 

[Slim]

What does IPL have to do with a team's rankings? Even with IPL, India hasn't won a WT20 since the the tournament's inauguration. I'd imagine it has even less to do with a team's ODI or Test performance.

Indians somehow feel the obligation to insert IPL as some sort of a benchmark, probably believe in it as a benchmark in their heads too.

 

[Slim]

I won’t go that far in claiming our batting is better than India but it’s efficient, let’s just say that. Also our fielding is not as bad in my opinion and is on an upswing. We just need players to bring consistency in performance, which is what Misbah brought to the team given our mercurial nature.

But overall we will always have that X factor to topple anyone on our day. Which is what keeps bringing the most jaded of Pakistan fans back for more!

We have a better batting line up than India in t20Is.

 

[Stewie]

We have a better batting line up than India in t20Is.

I don’t care much about t20i so didn’t account for them.

 

[Square Drive]

Yes. In the next 1-2 years, we most definitely will.

Glad others are now realizing the same thing I've been saying for a while.

 

[Slim]

I don’t care much about t20i so didn’t account for them.

Yes, but it does exist and not reliant on you accounting them or not.

This is going to trickle down to ODIs too and is in process already.

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

Do we have that? No we don’t, but that’s okay because Sarfraz is a much better captain than Kohli and we thrashed India by 180 runs in the Champions Trophy Final.

That's more like it!

 

[Stewie]

Yes, but it does exist and not reliant on you accounting them or not.

This is going to trickle down to ODIs too and is in process already.

T20 batsmanship is sort of an oxymoron.. trickle down happens from test to ODIs and T20s mostly.. in order of quality.. not the other way around.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Yes, but it does exist and not reliant on you accounting them or not.

This is going to trickle down to ODIs too and is in process already.

T20's are the worst gauge of any team.

Even Holland have upset England in T20 match.

Are you really saying Holland could beat England in a ODI series?

T20's are good and fun but they don't translate into any ODI results at all. ODI's and Tests are a different game altogether and not dependent on T20 by any means.

 

[Slim]

T20 batsmanship is sort of an oxymoron.. trickle down happens from test to ODIs and T20s mostly.. in order of quality.. not the other way around.

I think its a big misconception - a similar belief that our previous selectors had when they selected the likes of Shafiq, Azhar in ODIs based on their test performance.

Its basically from t20I to ODI
From ODI to test
and some players are just test specialists.

 

[Slim]

T20's are the worst gauge of any team.

Even Holland have upset England in T20 match.

Are you really saying Holland could beat England in a ODI series?

T20's are good and fun but they don't translate into any ODI results at all. ODI's and Tests are a different game altogether and not dependent on T20 by any means.

No, i have not said anything of that sort.

I just said that our batting line up is really strong in t20Is and its trickling down to our ODI performances where we have finally managed to start hitting 300+ scores.

No one bases their opinion on one off matches like the Holland one you mentioned.

Wrong cause and effect link from your end.

 

[Canford Cliffs]

[MENTION=146948]Slim[/MENTION] - You T20 ranking is due to playing against weaker teams. Pak is not the best T20 team in the world. We all saw what happened in Asia cup and WT20 last year. Rankings in T20 means nothing bcoz except ICC events, most team rest their key players in bilateral T20s.

 

[Usman Chadda]

[MENTION=146948]Slim[/MENTION] - You T20 ranking is due to playing against weaker teams. Pak is not the best T20 team in the world. We all saw what happened in Asia cup and WT20 last year. Rankings in T20 means nothing bcoz except ICC events, most team rest their key players in bilateral T20s.

1) Asia Cup and WT20 were in 2016.

2) How dumb can you be to compare the Pakistan team of 2016 to the Pakistan team of 2018?

 

[Dr_Bassim]

No, i have not said anything of that sort.

I just said that our batting line up is really strong in t20Is and its trickling down to our ODI performances where we have finally managed to start hitting 300+ scores.

No one bases their opinion on one off matches like the Holland one you mentioned.

Wrong cause and effect link from your end.

We are hitting 300 plus scores because Fakhar Zaman is able to provide good starts.

Not because of T20.

If you put Hafeez instead of Fakhar Zaman, he might have a stellar T20 match but will cause Pakistan to collapse in ODI.

Its more about nature of the format rather than a trickle down effect.

 

[Slim]

[MENTION=146948]Slim[/MENTION] - You T20 ranking is due to playing against weaker teams. Pak is not the best T20 team in the world. We all saw what happened in Asia cup and WT20 last year. Rankings in T20 means nothing bcoz except ICC events, most team rest their key players in bilateral T20s.

Yes sure, we are not the best team. Its India supapowa 2020 numba 1 team in everything. Please dont quote me. I am done with getting quoted by brainless posters. Comparing 2 year old Pakistani team to 2018, smh.

 

[Canford Cliffs]

1) Asia Cup and WT20 were in 2016.

2) How dumb can you be to compare the Pakistan team of 2016 to the Pakistan team of 2018?

Bcoz world events are the only place to measure strength of a T20 team. Bilateral T20s mean nothing when most teams rest key players. Winning some random tri series vs Zimb and an Aust D team means nothing.

 

[Slim]

We are hitting 300 plus scores because Fakhar Zaman is able to provide good starts.

Not because of T20.

If you put Hafeez instead of Fakhar Zaman, he might have a stellar T20 match but will cause Pakistan to collapse in ODI.

Its more about nature of the format rather than a trickle down effect.

Fakhar Zaman's strongest suit has been t20Is. Hafeez's worst format is t20I. Do you see the difference?

Heck, it doesnt matter. Our LOI team on the whole is improving and has made gains since Azhar was kicked out alongwith Waqar.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Bcoz world events are the only place to measure strength of a T20 team. Bilateral T20s mean nothing when most teams rest key players. Winning some random tri series vs Zimb and an Aust D team means nothing.

Answer my question. Don't run away with that skirt on

Its okay if you don't believe bilaterals mean much. But atleast use your brain to form coherent arguments based on facts, rather than writing nonsense which wastes our time

 

[Canford Cliffs]

Answer my question. Don't run away with that skirt on

Its okay if you don't believe bilaterals mean much. But atleast use your brain to form coherent arguments based on facts, rather than writing nonsense which wastes our time

The last time any meaningful T20 event happen was WT20 2016 and Pakistan failed badly there. Now if Pak team in 2018 much sperior to the one in 2016, we dont know. Bilaterals T20 wins vs weak teams wont decide that. We have to wait and see what they do in the T20 WC next time.

There is no absolute proof that Pak is the no.1 T20 team in the world (not that it means much)

 

[Stewie]

I personally don’t think that our ODI improvement has anything to do with t20s but I see Slim’s point and somewhat agree with him.

I don’t follow T20s much but we just change too many players. Where are imad wasim and who is this nawaz..

Did Fakhar really improve due to T20s?

I know people talk a lot about PSL bringing new players to the spotlight but question is is T20 cricket in PSL improving our players game in 50over cricket?

 

[Usman Chadda]

The last time any meaningful T20 event happen was WT20 2016 and Pakistan failed badly there. Now if Pak team in 2018 much sperior to the one in 2016, we dont know. Bilaterals T20 wins vs weak teams wont decide that. We have to wait and see what they do in the T20 WC next time.

There is no absolute proof that Pak is the no.1 T20 team in the world (not that it means much)

You have to have some really crap analytical skills to work out that the Pakistan team of 2018 is much better than the team in 2016, which was riddled with infighting and inconsistent selection policies. Start watching matches other than India's and you won't be so narrow-minded.

The proof that Pakistan is the no.1 T20 team in the world is that its ranked no.1. Simple. Although I agree the rankings are rubbish, seeing as a team that I believe will struggle massively to win a single test in England this year is currently ranked no.1 in Test cricket

 

[Canford Cliffs]

You have to have some really crap analytical skills to work out that the Pakistan team of 2018 is much better than the team in 2016, which was riddled with infighting and inconsistent selection policies. Start watching matches other than India's and you won't be so narrow-minded.

The proof that Pakistan is the no.1 T20 team in the world is that its ranked no.1. Simple. Although I agree the rankings are rubbish, seeing as a team that I believe will struggle massively to win a single test in England this year is currently ranked no.1 in Test cricket

Rankings in tests are not rubbish at all. Most team plays their best XI in tests and its a hard own ranking. Yes now almost every team struggles overseas because there are no stand out teams like Steve Waughs Australia.

But T20 rankings are a joke bro. Ask anyone

 

[shariqnoor]

Firstly, T20 rankings are too volatile to take them seriously. Secondly since T20 is so short, what it does is it reduces the gap between teams so it's not really considered an upset when a number 7 team beats a number 1 team. So to me it really doesn't matter if a team is ranked number 1 or number 7. All teams are easily capable of beating anyone so we should not really take T20 rankings seriously.

Coming to ODIs and Tests, Pakistan will crack Top 4 every now and then but they won't be a permanent representative of the Top 4. This is simply because of the fact that what we are in cricket is merely a reflection of us in our society. In our society we have never really transitioned from ad-hoc(ism) to institutionalization. We still function on miracles and that reflects in the way our cricket board is structured which ultimately flows into our cricket team. So until and unless we become professionals in what we do in society, our cricket will always be fluctuating. And while this is our state, we also retain the capacity of shocking everyone so it's never wise to rule Pakistan out of any championship.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Rankings in tests are not rubbish at all. Most team plays their best XI in tests and its a hard own ranking. Yes now almost every team struggles overseas because there are no stand out teams like Steve Waughs Australia.

But T20 rankings are a joke bro. Ask anyone

I guess you don't really have much to say and your insight is as rubbish as your analytical skills, which is why the only reason Pakistan's ranking is making you salty is because 'T20 rankings are a joke bro. Ask any Indian here'

 

[Canford Cliffs]

I guess you don't really have much to say and your insight is as rubbish as your analytical skills, which is why the only reason Pakistan's ranking is making you salty is because 'T20 rankings are a joke bro. Ask any Indian here'

All I am saying is T20 rankings are a joke . You ask anyone and you will get the same response that T20 rankings mean nothing simce most teams dont take bilateral T20s seriously.

Try to win a World event in T20 or try to improve rankings in formats that really matters...rather than arguing with me.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Yes we will be in top 4 in all formats soon in next 15-18 months.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Btw winning world cup and trophies is more important. Sorry but Indian topping the rankings but losing important tournament matches and series deciders doesn't mean much.

Looking forward towards Asia Cup.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

We are already improving and only people whose hearts are full with hate for Pakistan can't see that

Consistency and Pakistan? Nope, doubt so.

 

[Pakhs]

People are missing the point here, Top 4 is not really the ceiling for a team like Pakistan and generally speaking Pakistan have been a top 4 side more often than not in the past. And now that they seem to have recovered from that very bad period they should be able to easily maintain their reputation of atleast a top 4 best side in the world.

 

[Markhor]

Need to sort out the Test batting lineup.

South Africa Test tour will be very challenging for this young team even with SAF's decline in fortunes.

 

[Pakhs]

Need to sort out the Test batting lineup.

South Africa Test tour will be very challenging for this young team even with SAF's decline in fortunes.

Yes test batting line up needs work.

 

[Yo bro]

T20 rankings are volatile. Any top 5 team can beat the other any day. The real potential of a team can be seen in test and odi matches because it exposes them to a greater period of time, their batting, bowling and fielding. Pakistan still behind in test I must say though signs of improvement are visible.

 

[Greenstorm]

We just need another aggressive opener(like Sharjeel) with Fakhar to start winning bilateral series against top ranked teams.

 

[austerlitz]

England,India,Aus(when full strength) are top three.Pak/NZ/SA in contention for 4rth spot.Pakistan certainly are at a much better place than say 5 yrs ago.

 

[Stewie]

England,India,Aus(when full strength) are top three.Pak/NZ/SA in contention for 4rth spot.Pakistan certainly are at a much better place than say 5 yrs ago.

It’s not early 2000s anymore. Any team can beat any team these days apart from the bottom three four I am guessing. These arbitrary tiers are nonsense, especially now with Australia struggling so bad. There is no clear winner here, although in tests India and ODIs, England are very very secure in those spots.

Overall, depending on venue/conditions etc I think any top 8 team can beat any of the others..

 

[CricVet]

Firstly, T20 rankings are too volatile to take them seriously. Secondly since T20 is so short, what it does is it reduces the gap between teams so it's not really considered an upset when a number 7 team beats a number 1 team. So to me it really doesn't matter if a team is ranked number 1 or number 7. All teams are easily capable of beating anyone so we should not really take T20 rankings seriously.

Coming to ODIs and Tests, Pakistan will crack Top 4 every now and then but they won't be a permanent representative of the Top 4. This is simply because of the fact that what we are in cricket is merely a reflection of us in our society. In our society we have never really transitioned from ad-hoc(ism) to institutionalization. We still function on miracles and that reflects in the way our cricket board is structured which ultimately flows into our cricket team. So until and unless we become professionals in what we do in society, our cricket will always be fluctuating. And while this is our state, we also retain the capacity of shocking everyone so it's never wise to rule Pakistan out of any championship.

Good Analysis and reasoning. Anyone with open mind should be able to understand this logic unlike Mr/Ms Cliffs rants.

However, people need to understand that T20 requires more quick thinking than ODIs or tests. It is a more difficult format to make ADJUSTMENTS. Sarfraz success needs to get appreciated instead of getting it dismissed for some hate or jealousy or say ego.

 

[Usman Chadda]

All I am saying is T20 rankings are a joke . You ask anyone and you will get the same response that T20 rankings mean nothing simce most teams dont take bilateral T20s seriously.

Try to win a World event in T20 or try to improve rankings in formats that really matters...rather than arguing with me.

The Test ranking is a joke too, since the number one team in the world struggles to win a series abroad

 

[Shutdown Corner]

Indians somehow feel the obligation to insert IPL as some sort of a benchmark, probably believe in it as a benchmark in their heads too.

That and keep talking about how much money and power they have. It could be a topic about doing away with coin tosses and certain folks are gonna all of a sudden bring up how much money certain boards have. Its like if Jeff Bezos arranges a press conference every just to read out his bank statement.

 

[kuskash]

The Test ranking is a joke too, since the number one team in the world struggles to win a series abroad

They will say it is still better than loosing a series at home.

 

[MMHS]

It depends on how PM Imran is factored in PAK cricket. At current state - really difficult to break in top 4 for Test & ODI in terms of ranking, which is a function of 3/4 years consistency.

Two things have to come, for a consistent top 4 position - improvement in Domestic wickets and focus on FC cricket. Wicket is probably explained & understood by now, while for FC cricket (& List A), PCB has to make it pyramid structure where top 100 players compete each others at highest level - be it regional or corporate model, hardly matters. I have noticed one major improvement (which was my 1st point) - there is a domestic calendar this year. Flawed, but still better to have one than 7 days notice!!!

Another change I see is that they are going to arrange QeA List A tournament simultaneously with FC cricket - could be good or bad depends on how it's managed. May be 20 years back, I won't have supported it, because those days, more or less 12-13 players used to play both formats (at every level). Now, we have several specialists for 3 formats - may be 5-6 players are common in FC & List A format (or it should be - Ul Haq selected Imam & Yasir for ODI and Talat for T20, therefore everything is possible at one level lower), therefore, it might not be a big deal.

I am waiting for Imran's first move on cricket, probably from 2019-20 season, because it's too early for him to focus on cricket in next few months. More or less, if he can implement 3* fundamentals of his cricket philosophy - it's a matter of 2 years max.; by 2022, it should happen.

*1. Pyramid hierarchy of domestic cricket, where at max 7 (I'll go for 6 or 8 - odd number means in every round, one team will be sitting idle) teams at top tier covering whole PAK - no such jokes of qualifier for FC rounds or same players playing QeA, Patrons ..... up to Ramadan T20.
2. Cricket focused on developing through FC system, not T20s - once established, a player can adjust to 3 formats, but fundamentals have to be learned from long, long stay on field - be with ball, bat or gloves, no shortcut.
3. Merit based selection and playing the brand of cricket that encourages the core of PAK cricket - that includes wickets, player selection and mindset.

 

[Slim]

We dont need any new PM to bring us to top 4. We are already 5th in ODI cricket. Just a couple of wins and we will be there.

Test team is under restructring, couple of home wins and a solid SA series and we are on your way upwards too.

 

[Stalin]

Consistency and pakistan don't go together. But Mickey can change that. Just slight improvements in our batting and we're there.

 

[barah_admi]

Let me begin by stating the difficulties of Pakistan cricket.

No games at home for a decade
No IPL
No series with India
No proper salaries
No merit
Fixing, Doping and players being banned

In a year by year basis

2007: Death of Bob woolmer, but reached finals of T20I WC
2008: Out of IPL
2009: Terrorist attacks and no cricket at home, but won T20I WC
2010: Spot fixing, Amir, Salman and Asif banned but reaches SF at the T20I WC
2011: Reaches 2011 SF
2012: Wins against India, in India and reaches SF at the T20I WC
2014: Hafeez and Ajmal banned
2015: Hafeez(bowling) and Hassan Raza banned
2016: Yasir banned
2017: Sharjeel, Latif and Hafeez(bowling) banned


After 2012, everything went downhill, as one can fight only for a certain time. But since 2016, tables changed

It's really great to see a team fighting it out despite all these difficulties for about a decade and I don't think any other team would have sustained these hurdles and still be a top team.

But, in the past year or two I've seen huge improvement in Pakistan team, especially off the field.

PSL
Selector: Inzi
Coach: Mickey
Captain: Sarfraz
And now PM: Imran, the legend

Slowly we've been seeing the progress, with young players coming in based on merit, Babar, Fakhar, Hasan, Shadab, Faheem, Shaheen, Usman, Imam, Yasir, Abbas and Amir(comeback). And out goes undeserving players like Afridi, Younis(odis), Misbah(odis), Azhar(odis), Shan, Shahzad, Wahab, Hafeez and Akmal brothers.

We've already witnessed their determination at the CT, temperament at the Lord's test(2018) and, fitness and fielding improvements.


Now Pakistan seems to be one of the "contender" for a top 4 spot atleast, at the 2019 WC.


Now slowly cricket is coming back home, No. of PSL teams are going to increase, Salaries are being increased and, leeches are being shown the door.

The position of Pakistan is

T20Is: 1
ODIs: 5
TESTs: 7

T20I: They were, they're and they always will be a top 4 team in T20I cricket.

ODI: They're ranked 5, and they have some serious talent at their disposal and, hungry youngsters who are not afraid to take on the challenges.

TEST: This is the actual test of their class and temperament. This will show as to how far this team has come. Yes, MisYou have left and, it's not easy to replace those guns but, it's what it is. With India(fixed for next 3 years in top 5), South Africa, New Zealand, England and Australia fighting and giving their 100% it's not easy to break in the top 4. But, that is where the challenge is. And, Pakistan did show some potential in the first test at Lord's.

Azhar, Asad, Babar and Sarfraz got to take responsibility in the batting, whereas Amir need to start supporting Abbas and Yasir. Whereas Shadab and Faheem need to give the necessary balance with both bat and ball.

Mickey has already said that he wants to make Pak top 3 in all 3 formats.

Can Pakistan be a top 4(consistently) team in all 3 formats? And, if yes, how long before they reach top 4 in all 3 formats.

First of all, the rankings are a joke, as currently being witnessed in England.

If one was to actually watch the sport and assess sides, it is clear Pakistan is likely already a top 4 ODI side (depends on how they go in their next series against Aus and SA). As for tests, the reality is, the top sides, being England, Aus, Pakistan, SA and India are largely giants at home and up and down away. They have it all to play for and the upcoming test championships may well be a true decider....although the HIndu extremists in India have deprived us of crickets biggest rivalry.

As for T20s, Pak are the best team throughout the formats short history.

 

[Kohli The King of Chase]

Good chance to enter top 4 in ODIs, if they win all the matches.

 

[Buffet]

Aus, SA and Ind are likely to be among the top 3 for longer periods than other teams.

Pakistan can surely join this club, but needs to play well consistently. I don't see any reason why Pakistan can't do better than Eng, NZ or SL.

 

[Kohli The King of Chase]

Aus, SA and Ind are likely to be among the top 3 for longer periods than other teams.

Pakistan can surely join this club, but needs to play well consistently. I don't see any reason why Pakistan can't do better than Eng, NZ or SL.

Aus and Ind are gonna be top 4 forever(atleast for 2 decades).

But I've serious doubts about SA, their batsmen Amla, Faf, Ab(already retired), Duminy will be gone after 19 WC and their bowlers Steyn, Morkel(already gone) and Tahir are nearing the end.

Whereas their upcoming batsmen are typical modern day batsmen, just like Eng. Trying to hit even in odis and T20is. It may work until u get found out or you have good hand eye coordination.

Nowadays, teams are looking for batsmen who can hit(the reason English test batsmen are struggling) and bowlers who can bat. It may serve you well for few years, but once the culture changes at lower levels, then your cricket will suffer.

 

[Syed1]

We are not ruthless (although that is changing).... often times we lift the foot off the pedal and give the opposition a sniff which better teams can exploit.


Due to our fast bowling resources we will always be there and there abouts. Our worst ever rankings in ODIs were brought about when folks like Misbah were playing Umar Gul as sole pacer in the side.

 

[the_outsider]

Pakistan have always been a top 4 team in T20s.

They are not top 4 in ODIs but on their day they can be as good as any of the top 4. Potentially, they can become a consistent top 4 in the years to come. But we will have to wait and see.

As far as tests are concerned I don't see them in the top 4. Not in the next 10-15 years.

There too much competition from India, Australia and England. Those three will be a constant in the top 4, more often than not over the next 2 decades.
And currently SA, NZ and SL are all playing better test cricket than Pakistan so they have a very uphill battle in test cricket.

 

[Slim]

Pakistan is already ranked number 5 in ODIs

Pakistan is already number 1 in T20Is

The problem ranking is tests.

I see us reaching top 4 in ODIs by the end of this year.

In tests, maybe 2020, top 5 by end of 2019 for sure.

 

[Kohli The King of Chase]

Pakistan have always been a top 4 team in T20s.

They are not top 4 in ODIs but on their day they can be as good as any of the top 4. Potentially, they can become a consistent top 4 in the years to come. But we will have to wait and see.

As far as tests are concerned I don't see them in the top 4. Not in the next 10-15 years.

There too much competition from India, Australia and England. Those three will be a constant in the top 4, more often than not over the next 2 decades.
And currently SA, NZ and SL are all playing better test cricket than Pakistan so they have a very uphill battle in test cricket.

Very good observation. But, I would slightly disagree with you regarding England and SL test team.

India, Australia, SA are fixed for top 3 in tests.

Regarding #4, NZ, ENG, SL are the teams above Pak.

Let me first start by England. They don't have a single upcoming batsmen. Just imagine not a single player who can score at home, let alone away and asian conditions. If you look at County scores they're going down day by day, and their culture is shifting towards batsmen who can hit and bowlers who can bat.

The only reason they won is, Bowling and Lower order. Their top order has been as worse as India's, that too at home. Their last test batsman is gone(Cook). You can imagine their situation when root is their best bat, who can't score more than 70. Other thing is, their bowling. I don't see Anderson and Broad after another 5 years. Yes, they may produce some decent bowlers but, those bowlers can't make up for the incompetence of their batsmen (Anderson and Broad do enough to hide their batsmen's short coming). Another factors are, their spin play, they're going to be mauled in upcoming years and lack of spinner (a genuine one).


SL, their one and only match winner is HERATH. He's gonna retire after English series. Look at their wins recently. Against Pak, it was herath, against Sa, it was herath and I know they'll win against ENG, and it will be due to herath.

Pak have already had their transition with their match winners(MisYou) but, Sl(Herath) and Eng(CookAndBro) are yet to.

NZ is the only threat to Pakistan I would say. Even for them their best batsman, Taylor is yet to retire.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Very good observation. But, I would slightly disagree with you regarding England and SL test team.

India, Australia, SA are fixed for top 3 in tests.

Regarding #4, NZ, ENG, SL are the teams above Pak.

Let me first start by England. They don't have a single upcoming batsmen. Just imagine not a single player who can score at home, let alone away and asian conditions. If you look at County scores they're going down day by day, and their culture is shifting towards batsmen who can hit and bowlers who can bat.

The only reason they won is, Bowling and Lower order. Their top order has been as worse as India's, that too at home. Their last test batsman is gone(Cook). You can imagine their situation when root is their best bat, who can't score more than 70. Other thing is, their bowling. I don't see Anderson and Broad after another 5 years. Yes, they may produce some decent bowlers but, those bowlers can't make up for the incompetence of their batsmen (Anderson and Broad do enough to hide their batsmen's short coming). Another factors are, their spin play, they're going to be mauled in upcoming years and lack of spinner (a genuine one).


SL, their one and only match winner is HERATH. He's gonna retire after English series. Look at their wins recently. Against Pak, it was herath, against Sa, it was herath and I know they'll win against ENG, and it will be due to herath.

Pak have already had their transition with their match winners(MisYou) but, Sl(Herath) and Eng(CookAndBro) are yet to.

NZ is the only threat to Pakistan I would say. Even for them their best batsman, Taylor is yet to retire.

Dilruwan perera performed even better than herath vs SA and as far as i remember he also performed well in uae.
He is a quality spinner.

 

[Kohli The King of Chase]

Dilruwan perera performed even better than herath vs SA and as far as i remember he also performed well in uae.
He is a quality spinner.

Everyone can perform but, it's about how long. I don't see him equalling the quality of Herath, tho.

 

[Dingolfy]

Need to fix your domestics for that. I have seen how your U 19 fielding in the recent World cup and it was pathetic. That tells more about your domestic system.Also need to do something to up the test match fitness of your fast bowlers who trundles to 130s even by the second test in a cold country.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Top 3 in Odis is a real possibility after NZ odi series later this year. That will be a remarkable achievement considering where we under Mickey and Azhar and before that Misbah and Waqar.

 

[the_outsider]

Very good observation. But, I would slightly disagree with you regarding England and SL test team.

India, Australia, SA are fixed for top 3 in tests.

Regarding #4, NZ, ENG, SL are the teams above Pak.

Let me first start by England. They don't have a single upcoming batsmen. Just imagine not a single player who can score at home, let alone away and asian conditions. If you look at County scores they're going down day by day, and their culture is shifting towards batsmen who can hit and bowlers who can bat.

The only reason they won is, Bowling and Lower order. Their top order has been as worse as India's, that too at home. Their last test batsman is gone(Cook). You can imagine their situation when root is their best bat, who can't score more than 70. Other thing is, their bowling. I don't see Anderson and Broad after another 5 years. Yes, they may produce some decent bowlers but, those bowlers can't make up for the incompetence of their batsmen (Anderson and Broad do enough to hide their batsmen's short coming). Another factors are, their spin play, they're going to be mauled in upcoming years and lack of spinner (a genuine one).


SL, their one and only match winner is HERATH. He's gonna retire after English series. Look at their wins recently. Against Pak, it was herath, against Sa, it was herath and I know they'll win against ENG, and it will be due to herath.

Pak have already had their transition with their match winners(MisYou) but, Sl(Herath) and Eng(CookAndBro) are yet to.

NZ is the only threat to Pakistan I would say. Even for them their best batsman, Taylor is yet to retire.

I understand your concern about Sri Lankan cricket. They have many issues ranging from financial to corruption. So Sri Lanka might very well struggle to keep up.

But I would have to disagree about England. Yes they have a problem with their top 3. But the rest of the team is solid. Their lower order is the best in the world and Anderson and Broad are good to go for 2 more years. And in Woakes, Curran, Wood and Overton they have insurance for the future. And even at the top I believe they have decent enough options in Jason Roy and Burns.

But most importantly I'm gonna out my money on English cricket and their governing body because they have the resources. They have the money, they have the structures, they have the kind of influence and importance in world cricket that they will always ensure that the cricket team is always on track and improving.

I'm not sure I'm that confident about the PCB.

 

[Canford Cliffs]

Does not look like