I don’t believe Pakistan’s progression in white-ball cricket is entirely unacceptable. In fact, Pakistan was among the early adopters of T20 cricket, playing the format long before many other nations embraced it seriously. The real issue lies not in the format itself, but in the lack of a well-rounded talent pool.
To succeed in modern white-ball cricket, especially T20s, a team needs a combination of power, technique, temperament, stamina, and intelligence. Countries like those in the SENA group and India have consistently produced players who embody these traits. Even the West Indies, known for their explosive power-hitters, struggle with consistency due to shortcomings in other critical areas like temperament and tactical awareness.
Pakistan’s challenge is not just about intent or aggression—it’s about building a complete player profile. While the domestic circuit probably have some promising hitters, they often lack the other essential attributes needed to compete at the highest level. That said, introducing genuine power-hitters from domestic cricket could be a good starting point. These players might not be the finished product, but they can at least bring a sense of intent and urgency to the batting lineup, which has often looked timid or outdated.
However, this approach must be part of a broader strategy. Pakistan needs to invest in developing players who are not only aggressive but also technically sound, mentally resilient, and tactically aware. Without this holistic development, even the most promising hitters will struggle to perform consistently against top-tier opposition.
In summary, while Pakistan’s white-ball cricket isn’t beyond repair, it requires a clear vision and a commitment to nurturing complete cricketers. Starting with intent is fine—but intent alone won’t win matches. It must be backed by skill, fitness, and cricketing intelligence.
