Shahid Afridi pinpoints reasons for Pakistan’s struggles in Test cricket

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has shared his concerns over the national team’s declining performance in Test cricket, blaming poor selection decisions and a weak domestic system as the main reasons behind the struggle.

In a recent interview with a local sports platform, Afridi said young players are being rushed into the national side without enough experience, especially based on short-format performances like in the PSL.

“The biggest mistake is picking players for the national team too early. Sometimes they’re selected just after one or two good innings in the PSL,” Afridi said. 

“Playing for Pakistan should not be so easy. You must prove yourself at the domestic and first-class level first,” he added. 

He stressed the need to build a strong structure where talented players go through the proper channels, including the Shaheens (Pakistan A team), before making it to the top level.

“The pathway to the national team should be tough so players understand the value of representing Pakistan,” he added.

Afridi also underlined the importance of investing in domestic cricket and grassroots development.

“If you want all three formats to improve, first raise the standard of domestic cricket. Bring in good coaches and mentors at the lower levels and build a strong foundation,” he said.

Pakistan has played fewer Test matches compared to top cricket nations. They are often limited to short two or three match series, which affects players’ experience and consistency in the longest format of the game.

In the first ICC World Test Championship (2019–2021), Pakistan played just 12 matches and finished fifth. In the next cycle (2021–2023), they slipped to seventh after 14 matches. In the recently concluded 2023–2025 cycle, Pakistan again played 14 Tests, winning only five and ending at the bottom of the table.

By comparison, top teams like England, India, and Australia played over 18 Tests each during the same periods.

Pakistan’s new WTC campaign is set to begin in October with a home series against South Africa, where they are scheduled to play 13 Tests. Their last Test series was against West Indies in January 2025.

Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing about a possible two-tier Test system for the 2027–2029 WTC cycle. If approved, the top six Test teams — including India, Australia, and England — will compete in Division 1, while the second tier could include Pakistan, Bangladesh, West Indies, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland.

This proposal, led by a working group chaired by Sanjog Gupta and supported by the ECB and Cricket Australia, is expected to be submitted to the ICC by the end of 2025.