In the contemporary world of cricket, players are increasingly drawn towards participating in T20 leagues globally, driven by the perception that this format represents the future of the sport and, of course, by the lucrative commercial opportunities it offers.

While this trend has led many international cricketers to retire from longer formats, prioritising white-ball and league cricket, it is essential to acknowledge the pivotal role that first-class cricket plays in player development and in honing the fundamentals before a player makes an international debut.

Interestingly, the cricketing world has witnessed instances where seasoned players, despite the allure of big-money T20 contracts, have prioritised national duty, exemplified by Australia’s formidable fast bowling trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Their decision to forgo league contracts last year, in favour of competing in the World Test Championship, Ashes 2023 and the Cricket World Cup has been instrumental in their team’s success, ultimately securing them the World Champion title and their sixth Cricket World Cup.

Even with the rise of T20 worldwide, it’s important to recognise that some of the best and most resilient cricketers have emerged from the crucible of first class cricket

Reflecting on history, many cricketing superstars have emerged from domestic cricket, showcasing the undeniable significance of first-class experience. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the recent success of the Australian cricket team, where players with robust first-class backgrounds have played pivotal roles.

Turning our attention to Pakistan, a nation grappling with challenges in its Test team during the 2022-23 home season, it’s noteworthy to see how players with substantial first-class experience have been instrumental in turning the tide for their teams. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha, boasting over 5,000 runs and 114 wickets in first-class cricket, emerged as a saviour, with notable performances in crucial Test matches, including a maiden Test century and a standout showing on the Sri Lanka tour in 2023.

Similarly, the patience and perseverance of Saud Shakeel, who waited for his chance while he amassed 5,000 runs in first-class cricket, culminated in impactful performances upon making it to the national team.

During the Australian tour, Pakistan embarked on a quest to break a daunting two-decade-long jinx of not securing a draw in a Test match on Australian soil. While the elusive feat remained out of reach, the tour witnessed a noteworthy resurgence from the Pakistani side. This resurgence was primarily fuelled by the exceptional bowling prowess displayed by debutants Aamer Jamal and Mir Hamza.

Both Jamal and Hamza, products of the rigorous first-class cricket circuit, earned their spots in the Pakistan squad through consistent performances and unwavering determination. Their inclusion marked a significant shift in Pakistan’s bowling line-up, injecting a sense of freshness and vigour into the team.

Contrary to previous tours, Pakistani bowlers, particularly the fast bowlers, exhibited a newfound resolve and resilience against the formidable Australian batting line-up. The duo of Jamal and Hamza, in particular, showcased their ability to adapt to the challenging conditions of Australian pitches, utilising their skills honed in the crucible of first-class cricket to great effect.

Aamer Jamal, who was player of the match in the third and last Test match of the series, took 18 wickets in his debut series and also played a brilliant knock of 82 runs. He was the leading wicket-taker of the series for Pakistan and second overall, after Australian captain Cummins.

Their performances underscored the importance of nurturing talent through the ranks of domestic cricket, emphasising the indispensable role played by first-class cricket in grooming future international stars. While the ultimate objective of securing a draw remained elusive, Pakistan’s spirited display on the Australian tour served as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the nation’s cricketing fraternity.

In contrast, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 brought to light the consequences of neglecting first-class cricket. The underwhelming performance of the Pakistan bowling unit was attributed to a lack of first-class experience.

Some players thrived on the international stage, others faced challenges that highlighted the importance of consistency and control, qualities often honed in the crucible of first-class cricket. Shaheen Shah Afridi, renowned for his ability to take wickets with the new ball, struggled to find his rhythm and consistency during the World Cup campaign. Despite picking up wickets, his effectiveness with the new ball waned, posing challenges for the team’s bowling unit.

Similarly, Haris Rauf, touted as one of Pakistan’s most promising fast bowlers, faced scrutiny for his expensive spells and lack of control during crucial moments of the tournament. His struggles epitomised the challenges faced by players transitioning from T20 cricket to the demands of the ODI format, underscoring the need for a strong foundation in first-class cricket to succeed at the highest level.

Meanwhile, Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s frontline spinner, encountered difficulties in finding his rhythm and struggled to contain opposition batters. His inability to consistently land his deliveries in the right spot resulted in an abundance of juicy full tosses, conceding boundaries and undermining his effectiveness as a wicket-taking option.

Despite his talent and potential, Shadab’s performance highlighted the importance of refining one’s craft through regular participation in first-class cricket, where bowlers are afforded the opportunity to develop their skills under varying conditions and against quality opposition.

The current scenario has prompted debates within the Pakistan cricket community about the optimal balance between T20 leagues and first-class cricket. Striking a delicate equilibrium, there is a growing consensus that players engaged in Test and ODIs should commit to a minimum number of first-class matches each year, to ensure a strong foundation.

Simultaneously, players focused solely on T20s should be granted the flexibility to participate in global leagues when not on national duty, recognising the specialised nature of this format.

To preserve Test cricket’s legacy and ensure its enduring relevance in the modern cricketing landscape, a consensus among experts and former cricketers advocates for the implementation of a dedicated six-month window, exclusively reserved for Test matches. The proposal aims to address the challenges faced by Test cricket in an era dominated by shorter formats and league competitions.

By allocating a distinct time frame for Test cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) can underscore the format’s importance and provide it with the prominence it deserves. This strategic decision would signify a renewed commitment to the traditional format, signalling to players, teams and cricketing enthusiasts worldwide that Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport.

A dedicated window for Test cricket would also create a conducive environment for players to hone their skills and excel in the longest format of the game. With an uninterrupted focus on Test matches, players would have the opportunity to showcase their endurance, technique and temperament, essential attributes that define success in Test cricket.

Moreover, teams would be incentivised to prioritise Test cricket and invest resources in building competitive squads capable of achieving success in the format. The heightened significance of Test cricket within the cricketing calendar would encourage teams to pursue excellence, fostering a culture of competitiveness and sportsmanship.

Ultimately, by safeguarding Test cricket’s integrity and elevating its stature through a dedicated window, the ICC can ensure that the format continues to captivate audiences and inspire generations of cricketers worldwide. This strategic intervention would reaffirm Test cricket’s timeless appeal and underscore its status as the ultimate test of skill, character and resilience in the world of cricket.

In conclusion, navigating the evolving priorities of cricketers in the contemporary cricketing landscape demands a nuanced and thoughtful approach. Striking a balance between the demands of different formats, while preserving the essence and importance of longer format cricket, is essential for the holistic development of cricketers and sustained success in international competitions.

The writer is a software engineer and a passionate
cricket enthusiast. X: @abubakarsays_

Published in Dawn, EOS, February 28th, 2024