Pakistan cricket’s inconsistent performances this year have drawn attention from Director of High Performance and national selector Aaqib Javed, who believes the sport is finally entering a long-overdue revival phase. He expressed optimism that fans will start seeing real progress within the next year.
During his visit to Hyderabad’s historic Niaz Stadium, Aaqib Javed discussed the state of Pakistan cricket and the challenges it has faced over the past decade. He pointed out that the absence of international matches at home and the lack of modern cricket infrastructure had severely affected the country’s talent pipeline.
“For 12 to 15 years, we didn’t have proper grounds or academies. At first, it didn’t seem like a big problem, but once your player pipeline dries up, the gap becomes visible,” he explained.
Aaqib Javed noted that while Pakistan cricket was once built on natural skill and instinct, the modern game requires structure, professionalism, and consistent development. Those elements, he said, were lost when international cricket stopped being played in Pakistan after 2009.
Despite these setbacks, he remains hopeful. Calling the current period a transitional phase, he praised the potential of young players emerging across the country. “There’s hope in the youngsters,” he said. “Even from Hyderabad, players are close to representing the national side. You’ll start seeing visible improvement within the next year.”
He also shared that he is touring cities like Quetta, Hyderabad, and Peshawar to strengthen grassroots cricket. “From under-15s to seniors, every player needs the right environment. Without that, your cricket structure collapses,” he warned.
Although Pakistan once stood among the world’s top teams, its recent struggles have highlighted the need for reform. With the Pakistan Cricket Board’s renewed focus on grassroots development and Aaqib Javed’s leadership, the country’s cricket revival could soon become a reality.
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