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Azhar Ali discusses issues in Pakistan’s Test cricket system

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 15, 2026, 9:15 PM

Last updated Aug 15, 2026

Azhar Ali discusses issues in Pakistan’s Test cricket system

Summary

Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali addressed the challenges facing the country’s Test cricket, attributing it to the decline of departmental cricket. Speaking to Cricinfo, he emphasized that departmental teams have served as a crucial development ground for players, providing financial security that allows young talent to pursue cricket professionally. Ali criticized recent changes made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to the domestic structure, suggesting they hinder long-term success. He warned that the lack of a stable financial framework might force talented youngsters to abandon cricket or seek opportunities abroad.

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By the Numbers

•Azhar Ali blames cricket's decline on the weakening of departmental teams
•He criticizes PCB's frequent changes to domestic cricket structure
•Departmental teams offered financial security for players
•Ali emphasizes that the desire to play cricket is not lacking in Pakistan
•Concerns over young cricketers seeking opportunities outside Pakistan due to financial issues

Latest Updates

9:15 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Desire to play is not a problem’: Azhar Ali on Pakistan’s Test cricket downfall

What they're saying

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Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali blamed the decline of departmental cricket for the country’s Test struggles. He called the system a key “nursery” for developing players and criticised the PCB’s frequent changes to domestic cricket. Azhar also stressed that departmental teams provide vital financial security, allowing young cricketers to support their families while pursuing the sport professionally.
— Yahoo Sports

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