Pakistan’s international players are set to return to domestic cricket following the tour of England, with Babar Azam scheduled to play a first-class match for OGDCL against Kingsmen Academy in the President’s Trophy Grade-I on September 18. Several international cricketers including Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, have already appeared in the President’s Trophy. This marks a significant shift in the board’s approach to player management and domestic participation.
Former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has raised important concerns about the conditions under which these international players will compete in domestic cricket. Speaking on the matter, Shehzad emphasised the need for proper preparation and infrastructure to support the return of top-level talent to the domestic circuit.
“There is no doubt that having Pakistan’s international players playing domestic cricket is a very good thing. But you also have to create the right atmosphere for those players,” Shehzad said on Geo News.
Why atmosphere matters for returning international players
Shehzad stressed that the PCB has neglected fundamental aspects of domestic cricket preparation for a considerable time. He pointed out that some initiatives appear designed merely for media attention rather than genuine player development.
“These are things we have not worked on for a very long time. Some things are being done simply to show something in the media,” Shehzad added.
Pitch preparation and technical skill development
Pakistan’s batting struggles on faster pitches with lateral movement have exposed technical weaknesses that require targeted domestic preparation. Shehzad believes the solution lies in creating match conditions that mirror the challenges faced at international level, allowing players to develop their skills in a lower-pressure environment.
“The first thing you have to look at is where your national team is struggling. Pakistan struggle on slightly quicker pitches where there is some lateral movement. That is where their technique gets exposed,” Shehzad said.
The quality of domestic coaching remains a critical gap in Pakistan’s cricket development pathway. Shehzad expressed concern that current coaching standards are insufficient to prepare cricketers adequately for international competition.
Rizwan loses Lahore HC plea; PCB awaits NCCIA report
“Unfortunately, our domestic coaches are not at the level required to groom our cricketers and youngsters so that when they reach international cricket, they don’t merely compete, they are capable of winning matches for Pakistan,” Shehzad noted.
Shehzad warned that continued shortcomings in domestic cricket infrastructure will have lasting consequences for Pakistan’s national team performance. He stressed the direct link between domestic cricket standards and international success.
“The more mistakes you continue to make in domestic cricket, the further the Pakistan team will keep going down,” Shehzad concluded.
