Azhar Ali Blames Pakistan’s Test Decline on Department Cricket Shutdown

Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has blamed the decline of Pakistan’s Test cricket on the weakening of departmental teams in the domestic system.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Azhar described department cricket as a key “nursery” for Pakistan’s national team and argued that shutting it down in recent years has contributed to the country’s lack of emerging red-ball talent.

“Department cricket is a big need for Pakistan,” Azhar said.

He pointed to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s latest decision to remove two departments from domestic cricket after they failed to meet new financial requirements. WAPDA, one of the country’s oldest departmental teams and the reigning first-class champions, was among those affected.

Azhar said departmental cricket was particularly important because it provided young players with salaries and financial security. In Pakistan, he argued, that support can make the difference between a young cricketer continuing his career or being pushed toward a more stable job.

He also criticized the PCB for repeatedly changing the domestic structure instead of giving each system enough time to develop.

“If you change every year, then you were either wrong last year, or you're wrong now,” Azhar said.

Departmental teams have been part of Pakistan’s domestic cricket since the first Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in 1953-54. They became especially prominent from the 1970s, offering players financial stability that regional teams often could not provide.

Azhar believes removing experienced departmental players has also hurt the development of younger cricketers. He said young players need to learn from experienced teammates on the field, something coaches alone cannot fully provide.

His concerns come as Pakistan continue to struggle in Test cricket. The team has lost 13 of its last 18 Tests and currently sits eighth in the nine-team World Test Championship standings.

Azhar believes the decline is not simply a problem with the national team but a sign of deeper weaknesses in the domestic structure.

His main argument is simple: Pakistan needs a stable domestic system that gives young players both opportunities and financial security, while allowing them to learn alongside experienced cricketers.