Pakistan must rebuild from first-class cricket

KARACHI: Former Test opener Sadiq Mohammad on Tuesday said that Pakistan must rebuild its cricket structure around first-class cricket and performance-based selection rather than relying on occasional individual brilliance.

“The tail-enders put a curtain over Pakistan’s poor performance and helped save the team from what could have been a pathetic performance by our top order,” Sadiq told The Express Tribune in an interview.

Pakistan were a few days ago clean-swept by England in the three-match Test series and it was the first time that the hosts did that on their home soil against Pakistan.

“Razaullah and Abbas, no doubt, played a face-saving innings in their own high-class style. However, we should not depend on such performances or expect the tail-enders to rescue the team every time,” Sadiq said.

“Around 15 years ago, Saqlain Mushtaq also scored a century at No 9 or 10 against the West Indies. Performances of this kind are exceptional and may happen only once in a decade. We cannot build our batting strategy around such rare contributions.”

Sadiq also suggested the sort of criteria which should be settled to pick players for different formats, adding domestic cricket should be the key for that purpose.

“The management must put its foot down and make every player play domestic first-class cricket. A player should be required to appear in a minimum of five first-class matches to qualify for consideration for selection in any of the three formats of international cricket,” Sadiq said.

He said selection must be based strictly on performance and merit.

“Our top-order batsmen and all-rounders should not be allowed to leave for overseas short-format leagues until they have completed at least five first-class matches in domestic season.”

“The PCB management must establish a proper domestic structure and schedule that gives players sufficient opportunities to play first-class cricket before they move on to short-format cricket.” he said.

“Once all our top-order batsmen are available, we should establish clear and measurable criteria for selection. A top-order batsman should be required to score at least two centuries and two fifties in domestic first-class cricket to qualify for consideration for the Pakistan team.”

“Similarly, bowlers of all types should be given a clear performance target. A bowler should aim to take at least 25 wickets in domestic first-class cricket before being considered for selection,” Sadiq suggested.

He said that the selection committee must also be changed to eliminate favoritism and prevent the continued selection of out-of-form players.

“The selectors should be individuals who have not previously served as selectors for any team or in any format. This can help bring fresh thinking and reduce the possibility of old biases and established preferences influencing selection decisions,” he said.

“The new selection committee must also actively watch ongoing domestic matches in all formats. Selectors should regularly observe players rather than relying solely on statistics, reputation, reports, or recommendations.”

He also praised Razaullah, saying he could become a top bowler if he learns required skills.

“Razaullah is a very good find and has the potential to become a match-winning fast bowler. He could develop into a bowler in the mould of Waqar Younis if he continues to improve his skills.”

However, he said he needs to learn the art of late in-swing, particularly the ability to bring the ball back into the batsman late in its flight, as Waqar Younis used to do so effectively.

“He should also work on his bowling action and release point. Ideally, he should aim to release the ball by his ear and not by releasing it in bending position.”

“Razaullah got his wickets by seaming off the pitch. If he wants to be a match-winner he has to learn the art of in-swinging deliveries. Our bowling coach must teach him the art.”