(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Cricket at a Crossroads: Has the Focus on T20s Hurt ODIs and Tests?
Pakistan’s cricket team is going through a challenging phase in international cricket, with mixed results across formats raising serious questions about long-term planning.
Once seen as one of the strongest and most unpredictable sides in world cricket, Pakistan now faces the possibility of slipping in Test rankings and fighting harder for ODI World Cup qualification. Many analysts believe the root of these struggles may lie in the team’s increasing emphasis on T20 cricket.
The T20 Tilt
Since 2015, Pakistan has played more T20 internationals than ODIs and Tests combined. With 182 T20Is compared to 162 ODIs and just 78 Tests in the last decade, the imbalance is clear. By comparison, England played 137 Tests in the same period, nearly double Pakistan’s tally.
While this strategy initially paid off—Pakistan dominated T20 cricket between 2017 and 2018 with win percentages above 80%—recent years tell a different story. Despite playing more T20Is than almost any other nation, consistency has been hard to maintain, with win rates slipping under 40% in multiple recent seasons.
ODI Struggles
The ODI side has arguably been the biggest casualty. Pakistan enjoyed a strong run between 2017 and 2022, including an impressive 88% win rate in 2022. However, results have dipped since then, and 2025 has so far been one of the toughest years in the format. With fewer ODIs scheduled compared to other major nations, Pakistan has struggled to build rhythm and stability in the 50-over game.
Test Cricket: A Neglected Format
Test cricket, once the pride of Pakistan, has also been sidelined. With only 78 Tests in ten years, Pakistan trails well behind England (137) and Australia (105). Limited exposure has reflected in inconsistent results, and Pakistan has often found itself near the bottom of World Test Championship tables.
The Bigger Question
Pakistan’s investment in T20 cricket has brought global attention, commercial success, and the rise of PSL superstars. But the lack of balance is increasingly visible in performance trends. Win percentages across formats have declined since 2022, suggesting that overreliance on one format may be impacting others.
To rebuild, Pakistan may need to realign priorities, ensuring equal focus on ODIs and Tests while continuing to enjoy the popularity of T20s. Short-format success excites fans, but sustained excellence in ODIs and Tests builds legacy. Whether Pakistan’s cricket management makes that adjustment will shape the team’s future.
