Afridi Highlights Domestic Cricket’s Importance for Test Success

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has pinpointed key issues behind Pakistan’s struggles in Test cricket, notably the hasty introduction of inexperienced players into the national squad.

During a recent interview, Afridi voiced concerns over the selection process, advocating for a focus on improving domestic cricket standards.

“By enhancing our domestic cricket structure, improvements will be seen across all formats,” Afridi stated.

“A significant error lies in our national team experimentation. Players are frequently chosen based on limited performances in events. Gaining a spot in the national team should require more than just a few good innings,” he added.

Afridi, 48, emphasized the necessity of a more well-defined progression system for emerging talent.

“Talented individuals should develop through lower-level competitions—domestic and first-class cricket. Earning a place in the Shaheens (Pakistan ‘A’ team) should be a rigorous process, ensuring players grasp the commitment needed to represent Pakistan,” he explained.

The former all-rounder also emphasized the importance of sustained investment in grassroots cricket.

“Prioritizing investment at the domestic and grassroots levels is crucial—integrating skilled coaches and mentors, and reinforcing the structural foundation,” he concluded.

It is worth noting that Pakistan participates in fewer Test matches compared to leading cricket nations, often limited to series of two or three matches. This restricted schedule impacts the team’s learning and overall experience in the longest format of the game.

In the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (2019–2021), Pakistan finished fifth, participating in just 12 Tests, securing four wins and suffering five losses.

During the subsequent cycle (2021–2023), they descended to seventh position after 14 matches, while England, India, and Australia engaged in 22, 18, and 19 Tests, respectively.

In the third cycle (2023–2025), Pakistan once again played 14 Tests, winning five and losing nine, concluding at the bottom. England led with 22 matches, followed by India and Australia with 19 each.

Though the 2025–27 WTC cycle has begun, Pakistan has yet to participate in a match, their last being a two-Test home series against the West Indies in January. Their new campaign will begin against South Africa in October.

Furthermore, there are suggestions that Pakistan may be positioned in the second tier of a prospective two-division Test structure planned for the 2027–2029 WTC cycle.

The group, led by Sanjog Gupta and comprising representatives from the ECB and CA, is anticipated to present its findings to the ICC by the close of 2025.

If approved, the two-tier system would be launched in the 2027–2029 World Test Championship cycle, expanding the number of participating teams from nine to twelve.

Under the proposed setup, the top six teams—including South Africa, Australia, India, England, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka—would form the first division.

The second division is projected to include Pakistan, Bangladesh, and West Indies, along with Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland, who may be added as part of the expansion.