(Source X)
Former Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt has criticized the National team players for not giving Test cricket the same importance as T20 internationals. He pointed out that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stands out globally for prioritizing two T20 matches over the traditional format of the game.
Later this month, the Pakistan National Cricket Team will host the Bangladesh National Cricket Team for a two-match Test series. This series will mark the first time since January that the Shan Masood-led team will be competing in Test cricket, having last faced Australia in that format.
The Pakistan National Cricket Team tends to play more white-ball cricket compared to red-ball matches, which has contributed to their difficulties in excelling in Test cricket. Prominent players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi also seem to favor shorter formats over Test matches.
While Pakistan excels in T20Is and ODIs, they have been struggling significantly in Test matches. A lack of enthusiasm for domestic cricket among the players and a weak domestic infrastructure have contributed to their challenges on the international stage.
When asked by a Cricket Pakistan reporter about the dearth of quality spin options beyond Abrar Ahmed for the Test format, Salman Butt did not hold back in his criticism of both the team management and the board.
Butt emphasized that there should be little concern over the Test team’s combination because there is a general lack of focus on it. He noted that players are increasingly disinterested in first-class cricket and pointed out a growing decline in the passion for Test cricket among Pakistan’s players.
“Do we prioritize Test cricket? Why are we suddenly so worried about our combination? We just don’t want to play the format. Our boys don’t play first-class cricket regularly. We are the only cricket board in the world that says, ‘Instead of one of the Test matches, let’s have two T20Is.”
Babar is not a born leader – Salman Butt
Salman Butt has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board for reinstating Babar Azam as captain, arguing that the right-hander is not naturally suited for leadership. Butt claimed that the board’s inconsistent handling of the captaincy created divisions within the team. After being removed as captain following the ICC World Cup 2023, Babar was reappointed ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. However, this decision proved ineffective as Pakistan was eliminated in the group stage of the tournament.
Since then, Babar Azam has faced considerable backlash from both fans and experts. The decision regarding his captaincy will now be made by head coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie. Babar will next be seen in action during the Test series against Bangladesh, where he will be eager to make a significant impact and address his critics.
