Zaheer Abbas blames lack of home games for Pakistan’s misfortunes

Former Pakistani batsman Zaheer Abbas, in a recent interaction at Karachi, opined that it is the lack of home matches that is hurting Pakistan cricket not just in the present scenario but in the longer run as well.

The outgoing ICC President cited that the nation has such a rich history in the game of cricket and has produced so many legends in the past. He said he was definitely unhappy looking at the sad plight of the game in Pakistan.

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“For a country which has a rich cricketing history and legacy, it saddens me to see the state of affairs today. It is sad that a country which has produced so many legends now has to even think about playing in qualifying rounds of a ICC event,” quoted Abbas.

He further said Pakistan cricket had notable players in the team, who the youngster used to look up to while growing up. However, now the situation is such that the youngsters find role models in the players of other countries.

“It pains me to see that the national team is now not producing the quality performances of the past. Our players are just not producing the sort of performances we expect and saw in the past. In the past our youngsters had lot of idols and legends to look up to and emulate and today we look towards the Indian players,” he pointed out.

Elaborating his point, Abbas said that the opportunities are not coming their way. He said the youngsters are deprived of playing in the major tournaments like the Indian Premier League and neither does the nation host international matches. He admitted that he is deeply saddened at the misfortunes of the young Pakistani players.

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“Our players are not getting the right opportunities and exposure. They are also not in the IPL. I feel sorry for the young players who can’t play international cricket or against touring sides at home,” Zaheer Abbas said.

When talking about the possibilities of international cricket returning to Pakistan, he was quick to admit that the times are improving and it will definitely happen, though it might take some time to resurface in the international cricket.

“It will take time for international cricket to return to Pakistan and lot depends on what the situation is in the country in future. But I am optimistic that in this context the scenario is improving,” he said.