Azhar Suggests Domestic Cricket to Help Players Handle Test Pressure

RAWALPINDI: Interim red-ball head coach for Pakistan, Azhar Mahmood, stated on Thursday that Babar Azam needs more first-class experience. He advised the star batter to participate more in domestic cricket to better manage the demands of Test matches.

Mahmood addressed the media following the national team’s eight-wicket loss to South Africa in the second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. He emphasized that his players, including Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique, lack sufficient first-class cricket experience.

The former all-rounder highlighted that regular domestic cricket can equip players with the skills to manage Test cricket’s pressures and aid them in recovering from setbacks.

“Looking at players like Babar and Abdullah, their first-class experience is limited. Abdullah has participated in only a few matches, and Babar also lacks extensive first-class or Test cricket experience,” Mahmood noted.

“Consistent participation in domestic cricket teaches players how to handle pressure. This, in turn, leads to enhanced performance in international cricket.

“Furthermore, it provides the tools to bounce back from failures. More domestic cricket is, in my opinion, the optimal solution.”

Azhar Mahmood also pointed to Pakistan’s limited Test exposure this year as a key factor in the players’ struggles with pressure, advocating for consistent playing opportunities.

“Our top batters went in, but we quickly lost a wicket in the first over, which naturally increases the pressure,” Mahmood explained.

“We are committed to addressing this, but it requires consistent opportunities. We only had four Test matches last year, which limited our exposure.

“Looking ahead, with approximately 11 Test matches scheduled for next year, we will gain a clearer understanding of how to manage Test cricket pressure through regular play.”