KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has called for major reforms in the country’s domestic red-ball structure, stressing the need to financially reward special players to revive Pakistan’s struggling Test cricket standards.
The veteran all-rounder shared his views on social media platform ‘X’, urging the authorities to prioritize red-ball specialists through enhanced central contracts and incentives following Pakistan’s recent disappointing performances in the longer format.
Malik, who has represented Pakistan in 287 ODIs, 35 Tests and 124 T20Is, has scored 11,855 international runs and taken 217 wickets, hoping better financial security will encourage players to stick to first-class cricket rather than focus on franchise leagues.
“To strengthen our red-ball cricket, we need to offer lucrative red-ball contracts to specialist players,” Malik said.
He further explained that such incentives would help players stay committed to the traditional format and improve the quality of domestic cricket.
“They are committed to playing at least five first-class matches in a season and there is nothing wrong with players forcing themselves to change their normal game or chase franchise cricket,” he said.
The 44-year-old emphasized the importance of raising standards in international cricket and bridged the gap between domestic promise and international demands, urging the players to fully prepare themselves for the highest level of competition.
“At the international level, half-baked skills do not survive. We need fully committed players who are ready for the challenge,” he concluded.
Shan Masood-led Pakistan have lost four matches against the Tigers after extending their poor red-ball run against Bangladesh, including a recent two-match Test series whitewash and two home defeats in 2024.
Bangladesh led by Najmul Hossain Sandhu created history by defeating Pakistan by 78 runs in the second and final Test.
Chasing a tough target of 437, Pakistan were bowled out for 358 in 97.2 overs, with Taijul Islam’s superb spin.
As a result, Pakistan have now suffered four series defeats in the last seven Test series under Masood’s leadership, with two drawn series and one home series win – a 2-1 victory in the three-match series in 2024.
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