Why doesn't Pakistan want to focus on Test cricket?

[B_Positive]

We are barely having enough test cricket being played even with the opportunities we have in WTC cycles. In all our tours scheduled for this WTC we are only playing 2 tests each tour, except for England where we are getting 3 tests. If we dont play how are we going to improve. Why so pathetic scheduling by PCB? Almost all major teams play at least 3 tests in a tour but no us.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Broadcasters dictate the schedule and organising test matches is cost intensive.
All linked back to economic situation of the countries as well.
South Africa is a good example there economic fortunes are tanking very rapidly and they are reduced to bottom tier team.
Fix the economy of Pakistan, middle class has spending power and team gets more sponsors and it will urge players also to improve.

 

[Varun]

Prioritizing tests over LoIs is the hallmark of a big team. Pakistan should look up to New Zealand to see how it's done.

 

[Shafi]

Whole PCB is after money and they prefer micky mouse T20 leagues than tests. Most of the PCB members are not passionate about cricket just like franchises. They are in PCB to make money, not to improve our cricket.

 

[Zaz]

Theres too many local mickey mouse leagues where chasing money is priority rather than developing players techniques and quality

Most players we are carrying around in the test squad barely play any fc 4 day cricket which is limited as it is but are always available for the t20 cup or psl Their techniques are horrid and so is their patience and apptitude for the long game

When as a board you look for short cuts and fail to prioritise the sanctity of the game this is what happens Shambles of a team

 

[Shafi]

Theres too many local mickey mouse leagues where chasing money is priority rather than developing players techniques and quality

Most players we are carrying around in the test squad barely play any fc 4 day cricket which is limited as it is but are always available for the t20 cup or psl Their techniques are horrid and so is their patience and apptitude for the long game

When as a board you look for short cuts and fail to prioritise the sanctity of the game this is what happens Shambles of a team

Fully agree!!!!!

 

[Energy]

That's why overweight cartoons like Sharjeel, Azam can make a living playing 'sport'.

No hard work - see ball, hit ball, miss ball. Please also protect ball.

 

[Rana]

That's why overweight cartoons like Sharjeel, Azam can make a living playing 'sport'.

No hard work - see ball, hit ball, miss ball. Please also protect ball.

What? Sharjeel Khan was also one of the leading run scorers in the Pakistan fc season, what does that say about the standard of cricket then?

You have to target that one individual

 

[mastimasti]

We are barely having enough test cricket being played even with the opportunities we have in WTC cycles. In all our tours scheduled for this WTC we are only playing 2 tests each tour, except for England where we are getting 3 tests. If we dont play how are we going to improve. Why so pathetic scheduling by PCB? Almost all major teams play at least 3 tests in a tour but no us.

I agree, if any side and any player only plays about 4 tests a year, with gaps of 6 months between series, then that player can not and will not improve, meaning the team will not improve. This is a major issue but also a lot of it is the political task of getting teams to tour Pakistan.

 

[Cric_lover4487]

Whole PCB is after money and they prefer micky mouse T20 leagues than tests. Most of the PCB members are not passionate about cricket just like franchises. They are in PCB to make money, not to improve our cricket.

All boards are after money. I don't think its fair to single out PCB. I have grown up watching Indian team going to Aus and competing in Border- Gavaskar trophy. Anytime India won a test it was celebrated as huge achievement in Indian media. Win or lose, i eagerly await India's abroad tours to watch test cricket. PCB can't do anything if Pak fans have no love for test cricket. You have to give credit to ECB,BCCI,ACB, they do market test cricket to their audience very well.

 

[ElRaja]

hate to say it but lets be real here, this forum doesnt represent the average pak cricket fan. most dont really follow test cricket, just look at the media coverage of a test series versus some random t20 league.

pcb know this, they can grind the test team into the ground and theyll hardly get any blowback. also england is the only team from the big three who will give the pcb time of day, so its not like pak have access to tv money from hosting marquee test series.

there are some cost effective ways of improving tho, should hold an annual first class A team tournament with WI, SA, SL rotated between the countries to at least build a pathway between qae and test cricket.

 

[Cric_lover4487]

That's why overweight cartoons like Sharjeel, Azam can make a living playing 'sport'.

No hard work - see ball, hit ball, miss ball. Please also protect ball.

My 16 year old cousin plays for U17 team at state level in India. They are only allowed to play 3 day red ball cricket. He mentioned there are scholarships/exchange programs available depending on performance at U17 level to go to England and develop technique to play swing bowling. My cousin offcourse wants to play IPL but it has been drilled very well into his head by coaches that Ranji Trophy is benchmark to get selected in test team of India. I find it weird how Azam Khan has made to national team without any 4 day cricket experience. If i recall correctly, Musa also played in tests vs Aus without any first class experience. It is unprofessional. If it worked for Wasim Akram doesn't mean it will work everytime. Even Wasim Akram has mentioned in his interviews that he used to roam on hi bike and join any local match being played when he was free.

 

[ElRaja]

My 16 year old cousin plays for U17 team at state level in India. They are only allowed to play 3 day red ball cricket. He mentioned there are scholarships/exchange programs available depending on performance at U17 level to go to England and develop technique to play swing bowling. My cousin offcourse wants to play IPL but it has been drilled very well into his head by coaches that Ranji Trophy is benchmark to get selected in test team of India. I find it weird how Azam Khan has made to national team without any 4 day cricket experience. If i recall correctly, Musa also played in tests vs Aus without any first class experience. It is unprofessional. If it worked for Wasim Akram doesn't mean it will work everytime. Even Wasim Akram has mentioned in his interviews that he used to roam on hi bike and join any local match being played when he was free.

cricket environment in wasims era was very different. i left pak long ago but from what i hear from ppl who live there the scene that developed those street cricketers is far weaker.

even if ur playing tape ball, if ur playing day and night, going from game to game and basically betting on urself (literally as it used to be back in the day for many of these guys), u were playing lots of competitive cricket, even if it wasn't technically the highest standard hence u got guys who enjoyed antagonising opposition players.

from what i hear now the street cricket scene is far less active than twenty or thirty years ago. theres some tape ball pros who bring out crowds, but u dont have teenagers rushing to games in streets after school like it used to be.

also the rest of the world, the big 3 + nz are professionalised now, tape ball cant prepare u for that aspect of the sport. three innings on camera and the whole world knows your strengths and weaknesses, whereas pak still talking about talent and heart, etc.

 

[U$ofA]

My question is when (not if) will the PCB move from 2 to 1 test "series"?

 

[TeymurBlake]

Unfortunately I our board is looking to find income quick and T20Is do that, If test cricket isn't financially viable then it will be not be seen as serious format by the board.

 

[Titan24]

Prioritizing tests over LoIs is the hallmark of a big team. Pakistan should look up to New Zealand to see how it's done.

Actually Pak and NZ play very much similar amount of tests and Pak even plays more sometimes. As sample since Jan 2020 Pak has played 12 and NZ has played 9 (Excluding WTC final - as that was dependent upon them reaching the final).

 

[HappyWarsFan]

My question is when (not if) will the PCB move from 2 to 1 test "series"?

Why do you keep saying this about PCB? Have you seen Wasim Khan's recent interview? He is trying to make the Australia tour of Pakistan next year a 3 test match series instead of 2.

 

[cricketAXEpert]

We are barely having enough test cricket being played even with the opportunities we have in WTC cycles. In all our tours scheduled for this WTC we are only playing 2 tests each tour, except for England where we are getting 3 tests. If we dont play how are we going to improve. Why so pathetic scheduling by PCB? Almost all major teams play at least 3 tests in a tour but no us.

Maybe this is all they can get as other teams are not willing to sign up for longer tours. Also Pathetic Management by PCB, Somebody needs to bring this to the Patron in chief of PCB, Imran Khan who always advocated test cricket.
Someone in Pakistan please call the PM Imran Khan when he is taking phone calls from public about this. (I don't think he takes calls from out of country)

PCB made incredibly foolish decision to cut a 3 test series with west indies to 2 for a couple of more T20s (which were rained out). Now West indies is 1 up and Pakistan can't make a come back because it is only a 2 match series.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Maybe this is all they can get as other teams are not willing to sign up for longer tours. Also Pathetic Management by PCB, Somebody needs to bring this to the Patron in chief of PCB, Imran Khan who always advocated test cricket.
Someone in Pakistan please call the PM Imran Khan when he is taking phone calls from public about this. (I don't think he takes calls from out of country)

PCB made incredibly foolish decision to cut a 3 test series with west indies to 2 for a couple of more T20s (which were rained out). Now West indies is 1 up and Pakistan can't make a come back because it is only a 2 match series.

Read Wasim Khan's interview. It was the WICB who wanted to cut the series to 2 tests for financial reasons. WK said that the PCB wanted to play 3 tests and did try to push back, but in the end respected WICB's wish in order to maintain good relationships.

 

[Zaz]

My 16 year old cousin plays for U17 team at state level in India. They are only allowed to play 3 day red ball cricket. He mentioned there are scholarships/exchange programs available depending on performance at U17 level to go to England and develop technique to play swing bowling. My cousin offcourse wants to play IPL but it has been drilled very well into his head by coaches that Ranji Trophy is benchmark to get selected in test team of India. I find it weird how Azam Khan has made to national team without any 4 day cricket experience. If i recall correctly, Musa also played in tests vs Aus without any first class experience. It is unprofessional. If it worked for Wasim Akram doesn't mean it will work everytime. Even Wasim Akram has mentioned in his interviews that he used to roam on hi bike and join any local match being played when he was free.

This

Theres no incentive for pakistani players to work hard play fc cricket and improve n tighten their technique when they can play for pakistan via the t20 route n n make easy money playing league cricket


Look at abdullah shafique being carried around in the squad without any fc experience but hes played numerous t20 cricket Youve mentioned azam khan being picked via a short cut route without doing hard yards

Like above has said Young people need to be honed on the 4 day game and only picked for pakistan in t20s if they have a good body of all round cricket behind them

A horrid example is being set by picking players with hardly any fc experience and its showing in the results of the team now

 

[Thephenom]

It’s because the Australia, India, of this world want to hog all the attention and keep Pakistan cricket on a downward spiral, they need to make a rule that all test series are a 3 match rubber regardless of the nation, otherwise how is the championship ever be fair?!

 

[Saj]

PCB aren't ignoring the importance of Test cricket but they seem to be hitting a brick wall when it comes to the opposition Boards who for one reason or another are not interested in too many Tests.

 

[cricketAXEpert]

PCB aren't ignoring the importance of Test cricket but they seem to be hitting a brick wall when it comes to the opposition Boards who for one reason or another are not interested in too many Tests.

I understand this. But we can get more tests by playing Ireland, I don't know what happened to Ireland series. Ireland at home pose a decent challenge as conditions are same as England. And also Irish will be willing to Tour for a 5 test series to Pakistan (as their calendar is not busy). It is been so long since Pakistan played a 5 test series.

India was once in a similar spot as Pakistan and they played a lot against Srilanka (then considered minnows)

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

It is simple. I have accepted the fact that we aren't simply good enough.

At least our batting and fielding isn't good enough for international test cricket.

We can blame it on PSL or Misbah but in the end it is an XI vs XI game.

Look at India and the way they play test cricket. I always want India to lose but ngl I still enjoy the way they play tests against SENA countries.

 

[Shazzam]

PCB aren't ignoring the importance of Test cricket but they seem to be hitting a brick wall when it comes to the opposition Boards who for one reason or another are not interested in too many Tests.

Probably cause not many viewers would want to watch this Test team from Pakistan. This goes back to when someone on this thread said this forum does not represent the average Pakistani viewer.

 

[Saj]

Probably cause not many viewers would want to watch this Test team from Pakistan. This goes back to when someone on this thread said this forum does not represent the average Pakistani viewer.

Too many T20 fans these days who get bored with Test cricket.

The sad reality.

 

[MenInG]

The current series against Bangladesh may not be the most attractive for some people but the fact is that 2 match series just do not provide enough Test games needed for a series to be meaningful. When will this change?

 

[anakwalajinn]

It's quite sad to be honest. Personally I have always loved tests and get very excited to think that we will see the boys on the big screen five days in a row. Miss the days with 3 match test series. I think 4 match series were only against England if it was the main series during their home Summer?

I guess when money talks this is how it is... would have loved to have a "home series" for Pakistan with a big 3-5 match series and a smaller 2-3 match series. Personally I would not even mind playing a shorter test series vs Ireland or Afghanistan where we could test out our bench strength.

 

[sweep_shot]

Test cricket worldwide is dying.

Only India, Australia, and England play big Test Series (best of 5).

I personally love Test though. I hope Test format will somehow revive. But, it is unlikely.

 

[Kohli The King of Chase]

It’s all about money tbh. Teams will host Pakistan (for 4 match) test series only if they can produce some quality cricket.

No audience would want to watch Home team scoring 520/6 and Pakistan losing by an innings and no sponsor would sponsor a series where there is no interest from the viewer's

Also with the increase in number of leagues and also from now that there will be an ICC event every year it’s almost close to impossible to host Pak for many tests


Regarding why Pakistan doesn’t host big teams, they don’t have time to play with Pak as they (ENG, NZ, AUS, IND, SA) are busy playing themselves as that where the money is.

And no don’t blame them. Would PCB host Bangladesh / West Indies for 4 match test series? Never. Coz PCB will make loses


Unless Pak is CONSISTENTLY in top 3 (in tests) and giving challenge to SENA teams in SENA (with few wins) and also may be the players speak good English they are not “MARKETABLE”

 

[Buffet]

Test cricket is loss-making for Pakistan, that's why.

 

[PakLFC]

There is not much money to be made in test cricket nowadays. Most matches at best at played in front of half full stadiums. With the security situation in Pak most teams would not want to stay in Pak for a three match test series.

 

[transparent opacity]

To make things worse, PCB Chairman is thinking about starting U-19 T20 league which will further deteriorate the situation. Whether we like it or not, T20 is the future.

 

[James]

Worried for the future of Tests.

 

[Varun]

Pleasantly surprised that despite the Omicron threat, India are carrying on with all 3 tests in South Africa, followed by some ODIs in Paarl and Cape Town.

The T20s will be "rescheduled".

 

[Kianig89]

Because no proper opportunities for Pakistan apart from Eng its only Eng who offer them 4 match series rest of the lot is content with 2 meaningless tests ideally Bangladesh should have a 5 match series with Pakistan to make it a rivalry but Pakistan schedule doesn't allow it and Bangladesh doesn't have the muscle for 0-5 walloping

 

[Buffet]

Because no proper opportunities for Pakistan apart from Eng its only Eng who offer them 4 match series rest of the lot is content with 2 meaningless tests ideally Bangladesh should have a 5 match series with Pakistan to make it a rivalry but Pakistan schedule doesn't allow it and Bangladesh doesn't have the muscle for 0-5 walloping

Pakistan can offer to play at least 3 tests when they host. It's not just about other countries not offering Pakistan. Pakistan does not want to play long test series as well. Many series involving Pakistan get converted to 2 tests.

 

[PakLFC]

Pleasantly surprised that despite the Omicron threat, India are carrying on with all 3 tests in South Africa, followed by some ODIs in Paarl and Cape Town.

The T20s will be "rescheduled".

India has all the money. Covid or not everyone rightfully wants to play them.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Because no proper opportunities for Pakistan apart from Eng its only Eng who offer them 4 match series rest of the lot is content with 2 meaningless tests ideally Bangladesh should have a 5 match series with Pakistan to make it a rivalry but Pakistan schedule doesn't allow it and Bangladesh doesn't have the muscle for 0-5 walloping

Pakistan also chose to have less Tests for more T20 matches because frankly, this is what is selling in Pakistan.

If Test matches had more viewership and demand, then there would be more Tests played. It's as simple as that.

 

[U$ofA]

The current series against Bangladesh may not be the most attractive for some people but the fact is that 2 match series just do not provide enough Test games needed for a series to be meaningful. When will this change?

It has changed. In fact fairly recently. But just not in the right direction for test lovers. Things have gone from 3 test to a 2 test "series".

Test series were 6 tests long, then went to 5 then to 3 and now we stand at 2 (Outside of Big3).

 

[U$ofA]

There is not much money to be made in test cricket nowadays. Most matches at best at played in front of half full stadiums. With the security situation in Pak most teams would not want to stay in Pak for a three match test series.

Let alone make money, majority lose money. In fact they have to take money made from T20's to pay for hosting tests. This is the case with all except Eng and Aus.

As far as people in the stadiums, its not half full, no one shows up. It is consistently the case in any non Big3. Even the recent Ind vs NZ only had a couple of thousand on most days. Today's Ashes is sold out, but don't see people in their seats. They seem to be busy doing other things in the stadium. Not watching the game.

 

[Varun]

India has all the money. Covid or not everyone rightfully wants to play them.

I know - but I feared one or more tests would have been culled with the T20s being the hero of the series.

So refreshing to see all 3 tests still on schedule, with the T20s being "postponed".

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Let alone make money, majority lose money. In fact they have to take money made from T20's to pay for hosting tests. This is the case with all except Eng and Aus.

As far as people in the stadiums, its not half full, no one shows up. It is consistently the case in any non Big3. Even the recent Ind vs NZ only had a couple of thousand on most days. Today's Ashes is sold out, but don't see people in their seats. They seem to be busy doing other things in the stadium. Not watching the game.

Come on. Ashes has 100 plus years of history.
I have sat next to 90 year old grandmas in MCG and they know their cricket.
Off course English imports living in Australia and some of their Aussie mates are their to get drunk and haggle at each other, but overall vibe is awesome.
It is also a generational thing where the current parents were taken to see Ashes live by their parents and they are doing it currently and do on.

Australians are sport loving even local cricket matches in summer get a decent crowd.

I am missing it this year but there are lot of Indian groups who do the full tour of summer to all test match venues.
I have done it once in 2017 Ashes. Cost me 2500 aud lol.

 

[U$ofA]

Come on. Ashes has 100 plus years of history.
I have sat next to 90 year old grandmas in MCG and they know their cricket.
Off course English imports living in Australia and some of their Aussie mates are their to get drunk and haggle at each other, but overall vibe is awesome.
It is also a generational thing where the current parents were taken to see Ashes live by their parents and they are doing it currently and do on.

Australians are sport loving even local cricket matches in summer get a decent crowd.

I am missing it this year but there are lot of Indian groups who do the full tour of summer to all test match venues.
I have done it once in 2017 Ashes. Cost me 2500 aud lol.

Please re-read my post. I was not talking about Aus & Eng. They is a market for tests there. But I was talking about the rest of them. Including India. The just concluded Ind-NZ series barely had anyone show up. Even in Mumbai which is supposedly a test loving city.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Please re-read my post. I was not talking about Aus & Eng. They is a market for tests there. But I was talking about the rest of them. Including India. The just concluded Ind-NZ series barely had anyone show up. Even in Mumbai which is supposedly a test loving city.

Mumbai had 25k crowd one day. Restrictions due to COVID played part as well.

When English toured crowd was decent then as well. I am not comparing with Australian and English crowds, but if BCCI makes stadium more accessible and with lot more facilities you will get more crowd then current even for Test matches.

I have attended live Test match days in Hyderabad, Delhi and Mohali.
People are enthusiastic about test cricket in India but overall stadium experience leaves a bad taste.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Please re-read my post. I was not talking about Aus & Eng. They is a market for tests there. But I was talking about the rest of them. Including India. The just concluded Ind-NZ series barely had anyone show up. Even in Mumbai which is supposedly a test loving city.

The crowd at Mumbai was low not because of lack of interest in test cricket but due to covid restrictions:

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/india-vs-new-zealand-second-test-mumbai-25-per-cent-crowd-capacity-allowed-covid-19-protocol-social-distancing-vaccination-mask/article37720579.ece?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=UZheySsLM3H.Wn29RcRXazedJ3RPCstufXcOXQfTmrE-1638943898-0-gaNycGzNCL0

The Maharashtra government has allowed 25 per cent crowd capacity for the second Test between India and New Zealand, to be held at the Wankhede Stadium between December 3 and 7.

The Mumbai Cricket Association had earlier sought clarity from the state government on the crowd capacity for the Test, and on Saturday, the department of Revenue and Forest, Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation of the Maharashtra government issued an order which stated that in "the case of open to sky spaces, for any events or gatherings, people upto 25% of space capacity will be allowed.

Concerned DDMA shall have authority to decide the capacity in case of such locations of gatherings or events, if not declared formally (like stadiums).

"The order also specified that the players, officials, present at the venue will have to be fully vaccinated. For the crowd, wearing a mask is compulsory, along with maintaining social distancing.

The Wankhede Stadium - which has a capacity of around 33,000 - will be hosting a Test match after five years. In December 2019, it hosted its last international fixture when India played the West Indies in a limited-overs series.

MCA officials are hopeful of receiving permission from the government to allow 50 percent attendance for the second Test.

 

[umerz]

I don't remember when was the last time Pakistan played a 5 match test series. May be England 1992?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I know - but I feared one or more tests would have been culled with the T20s being the hero of the series.

So refreshing to see all 3 tests still on schedule, with the T20s being "postponed".

Tests dont get cut. It's usually the ODIs that suffer of T20's. Nobody has played more than a 3 match ODI series since the last World Cup.

 

[Varun]

Tests dont get cut. It's usually the ODIs that suffer of T20's. Nobody has played more than a 3 match ODI series since the last World Cup.

We were happy to cut 1 test apiece from both the tour of England and when we were hosting England over the past year.

 

[U$ofA]

The crowd at Mumbai was low not because of lack of interest in test cricket but due to covid restrictions:

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/india-vs-new-zealand-second-test-mumbai-25-per-cent-crowd-capacity-allowed-covid-19-protocol-social-distancing-vaccination-mask/article37720579.ece?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=UZheySsLM3H.Wn29RcRXazedJ3RPCstufXcOXQfTmrE-1638943898-0-gaNycGzNCL0

No way those crowds were anywhere near 25% capacity.

 

[James]

Come on. Ashes has 100 plus years of history.
I have sat next to 90 year old grandmas in MCG and they know their cricket.
Off course English imports living in Australia and some of their Aussie mates are their to get drunk and haggle at each other, but overall vibe is awesome.
It is also a generational thing where the current parents were taken to see Ashes live by their parents and they are doing it currently and do on.

Australians are sport loving even local cricket matches in summer get a decent crowd.

I am missing it this year but there are lot of Indian groups who do the full tour of summer to all test match venues.
I have done it once in 2017 Ashes. Cost me 2500 aud lol.

I took my wife and daughter to the Ashes in 2019 (Ben Stokes Headingley Test) and we had a brilliant time. Great memories.

It was actually Day 3 that we witnessed in Leeds, and not the famous final day with Ben’s century, but it was still great fun and really tense viewing. Roasting 30+ degree sun as well, very rare for the UK! We saw the back end of Ben’s marathon bowling spell where he got England back into the game.

There was a cordial atmosphere and good discussion between English and travelling Australian fans throughout the day.

Yes it cost a fair bit to get in and to pay for 3 prominent seats, but play went on til 7PM due to time lost to rain earlier in the match, and it was well worth it.

Even if Test cricket as an overall piece goes into decline, I like to think that England and Australia will still meet up every couple of years to play the Ashes.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

I took my wife and daughter to the Ashes in 2019 (Ben Stokes Headingley Test) and we had a brilliant time. Great memories.

It was actually Day 3 that we witnessed in Leeds, and not the famous final day with Ben’s century, but it was still great fun and really tense viewing. Roasting 30+ degree sun as well, very rare for the UK! We saw the back end of Ben’s marathon bowling spell where he got England back into the game.

There was a cordial atmosphere and good discussion between English and travelling Australian fans throughout the day.

Yes it cost a fair bit to get in and to pay for 3 prominent seats, but play went on til 7PM due to time lost to rain earlier in the match, and it was well worth it.

Even if Test cricket as an overall piece goes into decline, I like to think that England and Australia will still meet up every couple of years to play the Ashes.

Agreed. Ashes match vibe in stadium is completely different. I have seen matches India and NZ on Boxing Day live but the passion and enthusiasm in the eyes of Australian fans when poms tour is completely different.
Boxing Day Ashes test in MCG is a different experience all together. People enjoying beer on a warm day and nerd talk on cricket stats all day.

 

[James]

Agreed. Ashes match vibe in stadium is completely different. I have seen matches India and NZ on Boxing Day live but the passion and enthusiasm in the eyes of Australian fans when poms tour is completely different.
Boxing Day Ashes test in MCG is a different experience all together. People enjoying beer on a warm day and nerd talk on cricket stats all day.

Never been to Oz but an Ashes winter is my retirement dream. Need to save up a lot of money first

 

[mastimasti]

Prioritizing tests over LoIs is the hallmark of a big team. Pakistan should look up to New Zealand to see how it's done.

New Zealand?

The same New Zealand who are playing mostly 2-test series in this cycle barring against England? While Pakistan are likely to play 3-tests in each of their series v England and Australia.

Not quite sure what you mean here.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Never been to Oz but an Ashes winter is my retirement dream. Need to save up a lot of money first

ha well it is awesome here in Australian summer(winter for rest of the world). Australia is pretty expensive even for basic necessities tbh.. But a nice place to tour for a month or so.

 

[Markhor]

The PCB have never attempted to make the Test match product in Pakistan attractive to fans.

Take the stadium experience. Although the heavyhanded security is understandable post-Lahore attack, it leads to long queues in stifling heat. Once inside the stadium, the facilities are awful with dirty bathrooms and sometimes no proper seating. At Pindi Stadium they have those ugly concrete steps - compare that to the grassbanks of NZL and SAF where families can picnic or play cricket.

As for the cricket, slow pitches where the ball bounces knee high and batsmen crawling along at 2.5 RPO isn't going to set the pulses racing.

The TV product is little better. With tedious commentary, no atmosphere due to lack of a crowd and the smoggy, polluted environment - is it any wonder Test cricket fails to generate excitement or substantial revenues ?

With so many forms of entertainment competing for eyeballs and short attention spans of today's audience - Test cricket has to adapt even if it upsets the so-called traditionalists who are a niche community. I'd strongly consider moving to four days, at least one Day/Night Test per series, and more sporting wickets to ensure results. Sick of teams scoring 500-600 and then the opposition meekly surrendering to scoreboard pressure.

 

[Pakhs]

Prioritizing tests over LoIs is the hallmark of a big team. Pakistan should look up to New Zealand to see how it's done.

This is stupid, NZ is a rich country Pakistan is not, Money matters in this life.

 

[Pakhs]

Although I love cricket but due to my busy work life have not watched a test match of any kind for more than 3/4 years. People must accept this form of cricket is now well past its sell by date in the fast moving world that we currently live in.

On top of this it does not even make much money compare to shorter versions.

 

[Varun]

This is stupid, NZ is a rich country Pakistan is not, Money matters in this life.

The PCB is certainly the richer board than the NZC.

The PSL earnings alone eclipses the NZC's total budget.

 

[Last Monetarist]

The PCB have never attempted to make the Test match product in Pakistan attractive to fans.

Take the stadium experience. Although the heavyhanded security is understandable post-Lahore attack, it leads to long queues in stifling heat. Once inside the stadium, the facilities are awful with dirty bathrooms and sometimes no proper seating. At Pindi Stadium they have those ugly concrete steps - compare that to the grassbanks of NZL and SAF where families can picnic or play cricket.

As for the cricket, slow pitches where the ball bounces knee high and batsmen crawling along at 2.5 RPO isn't going to set the pulses racing.

The TV product is little better. With tedious commentary, no atmosphere due to lack of a crowd and the smoggy, polluted environment - is it any wonder Test cricket fails to generate excitement or substantial revenues ?

With so many forms of entertainment competing for eyeballs and short attention spans of today's audience - Test cricket has to adapt even if it upsets the so-called traditionalists who are a niche community. I'd strongly consider moving to four days, at least one Day/Night Test per series, and more sporting wickets to ensure results. Sick of teams scoring 500-600 and then the opposition meekly surrendering to scoreboard pressure.

I fully agree, the PCB has never bothered to market test cricket the way it is in the UK or Australia. I have been to a few test matches since the mid-90s here, and it's never been a very enjoyable experience due to the quality of the seats and the overall amenities.

Moreover, there is limited respite from the heat as the roofs in most stadiums are inadequate. Add to that the quality of the pitches, which aren't conducive for attacking cricket, and the overall impression is of a dud format which should die a death soon enough.

It's just pure incompetence, and I'd argue that most of the boards that lose money on test cricket have only themselves to blame. Given the fact that most people have limited attention spans; it's easy to see why those boards aren't bothered, as it is hard work to organize and present test cricket.

 

[Pakhs]

The PCB is certainly the richer board than the NZC.

The PSL earnings alone eclipses the NZC's total budget.

Again can Pakistan player survive without having central contracts? NZ is a welfare state players can still live and have a good living even without ever making it to the highest level.

PCB only cares about the centrally contracted players by that time its already too late. And like I have posted before test match cricket is no longer a relevant format in a fast moving world we live in.

I have not been able to watch test cricket for over 4 years due to my work schedule and not watched full 5 days of cricket since my very early days teen years even then it used to interfere with my exam preparations etc.

 

[James]

The PCB have never attempted to make the Test match product in Pakistan attractive to fans.

Take the stadium experience. Although the heavyhanded security is understandable post-Lahore attack, it leads to long queues in stifling heat. Once inside the stadium, the facilities are awful with dirty bathrooms and sometimes no proper seating. At Pindi Stadium they have those ugly concrete steps - compare that to the grassbanks of NZL and SAF where families can picnic or play cricket.

As for the cricket, slow pitches where the ball bounces knee high and batsmen crawling along at 2.5 RPO isn't going to set the pulses racing.

The TV product is little better. With tedious commentary, no atmosphere due to lack of a crowd and the smoggy, polluted environment - is it any wonder Test cricket fails to generate excitement or substantial revenues ?

With so many forms of entertainment competing for eyeballs and short attention spans of today's audience - Test cricket has to adapt even if it upsets the so-called traditionalists who are a niche community. I'd strongly consider moving to four days, at least one Day/Night Test per series, and more sporting wickets to ensure results. Sick of teams scoring 500-600 and then the opposition meekly surrendering to scoreboard pressure.

Good post and pretty much sums up my thoughts on the matter.

Some very tempting considerations in the final paragraph. I am thinking 4 long days of 100-105 overs each would be good.

I love Test cricket but it does need to evolve.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

The PCB have never attempted to make the Test match product in Pakistan attractive to fans.

Take the stadium experience. Although the heavyhanded security is understandable post-Lahore attack, it leads to long queues in stifling heat. Once inside the stadium, the facilities are awful with dirty bathrooms and sometimes no proper seating. At Pindi Stadium they have those ugly concrete steps - compare that to the grassbanks of NZL and SAF where families can picnic or play cricket.

As for the cricket, slow pitches where the ball bounces knee high and batsmen crawling along at 2.5 RPO isn't going to set the pulses racing.

The TV product is little better. With tedious commentary, no atmosphere due to lack of a crowd and the smoggy, polluted environment - is it any wonder Test cricket fails to generate excitement or substantial revenues ?

With so many forms of entertainment competing for eyeballs and short attention spans of today's audience - Test cricket has to adapt even if it upsets the so-called traditionalists who are a niche community. I'd strongly consider moving to four days, at least one Day/Night Test per series, and more sporting wickets to ensure results. Sick of teams scoring 500-600 and then the opposition meekly surrendering to scoreboard pressure.

I don't know about the viability of test cricket as a spectator sport generally, but you raise an excellent point about facilities and environment. It would probably take some considerable investment, but if you could make viewing a comfortable and enjoyable experience, you could sell tickets as an experience rather than an uncomfortable chore. Grass banks or verges would be a fairly cheap option, and definitely more attractive for those who want to picnic, although not sure spectators milling around at random would work as they might interfere with batsmen's eyeline.

 

[PakLFC]

Let alone make money, majority lose money. In fact they have to take money made from T20's to pay for hosting tests. This is the case with all except Eng and Aus.

As far as people in the stadiums, its not half full, no one shows up. It is consistently the case in any non Big3. Even the recent Ind vs NZ only had a couple of thousand on most days. Today's Ashes is sold out, but don't see people in their seats. They seem to be busy doing other things in the stadium. Not watching the game.

Taking money from T20 still means the BCCI is making money. It is the most influential Cricket board providing most revenue to the ICC. I don't think any country can completely kill of test cricket as it is still considered to be the ultimate test of a cricketer's ability. Yes by and large the demand for test cricket is fading rapidly.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

The PCB have never attempted to make the Test match product in Pakistan attractive to fans.

Take the stadium experience. Although the heavyhanded security is understandable post-Lahore attack, it leads to long queues in stifling heat. Once inside the stadium, the facilities are awful with dirty bathrooms and sometimes no proper seating. At Pindi Stadium they have those ugly concrete steps - compare that to the grassbanks of NZL and SAF where families can picnic or play cricket.

As for the cricket, slow pitches where the ball bounces knee high and batsmen crawling along at 2.5 RPO isn't going to set the pulses racing.

The TV product is little better. With tedious commentary, no atmosphere due to lack of a crowd and the smoggy, polluted environment - is it any wonder Test cricket fails to generate excitement or substantial revenues ?

With so many forms of entertainment competing for eyeballs and short attention spans of today's audience - Test cricket has to adapt even if it upsets the so-called traditionalists who are a niche community. I'd strongly consider moving to four days, at least one Day/Night Test per series, and more sporting wickets to ensure results. Sick of teams scoring 500-600 and then the opposition meekly surrendering to scoreboard pressure.

The pitches and TV production were very good in the SA series in January-Feb this year.

 

[globalcitizen]

I want to know who the replacements are for these players
Azhar ALi - technically sound
Abid Ali - opener making big scores
Fawad Alam - consistent run maker
Nauman Ali

the problem with pakistan is to not find replacements sooner and again go through a period of transition to rebuild I'm test cricket

 

[Shoaibbtt]

I want to know who the replacements are for these players
Azhar ALi - technically sound
Abid Ali - opener making big scores
Fawad Alam - consistent run maker
Nauman Ali

the problem with pakistan is to not find replacements sooner and again go through a period of transition to rebuild I'm test cricket

Very true Pakistan needs to focus on giving respect to performers rather than try new players for the sake of trying new players.

Azhar Ali- although he’s had a decent year, he just looks out of place and his 50 vs Bangladesh showed that of someone who’s out of his prime.

Fawad Alam- great year for him. Enough said.

Abid Ali- good against smaller teams but has yet to prove himself against better bowling attacks.

Hassan Ali-Shaheen combo- great stuff from these 2 and with +40 wickets from both this year in tests who can argue.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

The PCB have never attempted to make the Test match product in Pakistan attractive to fans.

Take the stadium experience. Although the heavyhanded security is understandable post-Lahore attack, it leads to long queues in stifling heat. Once inside the stadium, the facilities are awful with dirty bathrooms and sometimes no proper seating. At Pindi Stadium they have those ugly concrete steps - compare that to the grassbanks of NZL and SAF where families can picnic or play cricket.

As for the cricket, slow pitches where the ball bounces knee high and batsmen crawling along at 2.5 RPO isn't going to set the pulses racing.

The TV product is little better. With tedious commentary, no atmosphere due to lack of a crowd and the smoggy, polluted environment - is it any wonder Test cricket fails to generate excitement or substantial revenues ?

With so many forms of entertainment competing for eyeballs and short attention spans of today's audience - Test cricket has to adapt even if it upsets the so-called traditionalists who are a niche community. I'd strongly consider moving to four days, at least one Day/Night Test per series, and more sporting wickets to ensure results. Sick of teams scoring 500-600 and then the opposition meekly surrendering to scoreboard pressure.

Agree 100%

Forget kids, even young adults these days (born mid 90s onwards) grew up with entertainment options like foreign movies, tv shows, anime, video games and social media. These were not available to most people outside Aus and England before 2000s. You can be watching Jojo's Bizarre Adventure on Crunchyroll, Squid Game on Netflix, play Resident Evil 8 on PS5 (or PUBG on Android phone), or be on Instagram/Tiktok all day. Test cricket outside Eng/Aus has to compete with all of these now, alongside T20 cricket.

Ashes has a long history, but tests need to adapt to survive outside Big 3. Young millennials and especially Gen Z have far too many options to waste 5 days watch just cricket for 8 hours.

 

[James]

The pitches and TV production were very good in the SA series in January-Feb this year.

Yes, definitely a marked improvement.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I don't know about the viability of test cricket as a spectator sport generally, but you raise an excellent point about facilities and environment. It would probably take some considerable investment, but if you could make viewing a comfortable and enjoyable experience, you could sell tickets as an experience rather than an uncomfortable chore. Grass banks or verges would be a fairly cheap option, and definitely more attractive for those who want to picnic, although not sure spectators milling around at random would work as they might interfere with batsmen's eyeline.

No chance of this happening in Pakistan unfortunately.

 

[mastimasti]

The PCB is certainly the richer board than the NZC.

The PSL earnings alone eclipses the NZC's total budget.

Just wondering why you have yet to respond to my reply?

 

[Varun]

Just wondering why you have yet to respond to my reply?

New Zealand?

The same New Zealand who are playing mostly 2-test series in this cycle barring against England? While Pakistan are likely to play 3-tests in each of their series v England and Australia.

Not quite sure what you mean here.

The length of the series is one thing, but New Zealand seem to play more test cricket than Pakistan overall if you do the math. Take for example the 2010 - 2020 period - NZ have played more tests than Pakistan in a lengthy 10-year cycle. And they never had the opportunity to play 4-test series in England or numerous series against 1 opponent (SL) like Pakistan did.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

PCB always prefers money over substance. They may do some lip service and some PR now on their social media channels about Test Cricket, but actions speak louder than words.

Why cannot they get other boards to have a minimal of 3 test series ? That would be a start.
Even against England last series was just 3 match instead of 4 in 2016.

 

[Varun]

PCB always prefers money over substance. They may do some lip service and some PR now on their social media channels about Test Cricket, but actions speak louder than words.

Why cannot they get other boards to have a minimal of 3 test series ? That would be a start.
Even against England last series was just 3 match instead of 4 in 2016.

That was an emergency tour in the peak of Covid, and look how England repaid them just a year later.

Actually, the home series against South Africa was proof of the pudding that the PCB doesn't fancy anything longer than 2-test series.

 

[mastimasti]

The length of the series is one thing, but New Zealand seem to play more test cricket than Pakistan overall if you do the math. Take for example the 2010 - 2020 period - NZ have played more tests than Pakistan in a lengthy 10-year cycle. And they never had the opportunity to play 4-test series in England or numerous series against 1 opponent (SL) like Pakistan did.

LOL New Zealand played one more test than Pakistan in that period. What is your point? You said a "big team concentrates on test cricket" and "just look at New Zealand"...that isn't even true, unless you think 1 test more is proving your nonsensical argument.

Not to mention the time period you include is when Pak had to find a new home, had series and matches cancelled etc.

Now, there was certainly a time when Pak, along with other Asian sides, did not play enough test cricket and marketed their stars on ODIs, that was the 90s. Pak played 76 tests, India 69 and SL 67, while taking part in huge numbers of ODI games. That argument would have made sense.

 

[mastimasti]

That was an emergency tour in the peak of Covid, and look how England repaid them just a year later.

Actually, the home series against South Africa was proof of the pudding that the PCB doesn't fancy anything longer than 2-test series.

The scheduled Aus tour is 3 tests....it's not so much about fancy, it's about what makes financial sense, especially when trying to bring cricket back to Pak.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

If Pakistan wants to focus on legacy and records then tests must be given more focus.

This is why i'm hating t20s as previously teams would play and ODI and test series, now that t20s have come in it's ruined test cricket to an extent and this is especially the case for the likes of Pakistan.

Pakistan should start things slow and play or target a minimum of 1 test match per series. Make tests more consistent i say.

 

[James]

If Pakistan wants to focus on legacy and records then tests must be given more focus.

This is why i'm hating t20s as previously teams would play and ODI and test series, now that t20s have come in it's ruined test cricket to an extent and this is especially the case for the likes of Pakistan.

Pakistan should start things slow and play or target a minimum of 1 test match per series. Make tests more consistent i say.

Argh, T20s (especially IT20s) are not on my Christmas list this year. The T20 World Cup in the UAE ended up being a bit ludicrous — basically whoever won the toss would choose to bowl first and chase the runs & would almost always win. Predictable to the point of farce.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Argh, T20s (especially IT20s) are not on my Christmas list this year. The T20 World Cup in the UAE ended up being a bit ludicrous — basically whoever won the toss would choose to bowl first and chase the runs & would almost always win. Predictable to the point of farce.

That was more due to the climate and pitch conditions rather than format of the game. T20 has much more appeal for ordinary spectators, whether the purists like it or not. Why else would the arrival of the IPL have turned traditional cricket on it's head virtually overnight? Even national cricket boards can't compete, everyone is ultimately bowing to the power of the $$, or in this case RS.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

That was an emergency tour in the peak of Covid, and look how England repaid them just a year later.

Actually, the home series against South Africa was proof of the pudding that the PCB doesn't fancy anything longer than 2-test series.

The Australia series in March was going to be 2 tests, but PCB increased it to 3.