Former Pakistan cricketer Yasir Arafat has expressed his concerns about the detrimental impact of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) on the nation’s red-ball cricket.
According to Arafat, the focus on shorter formats and leagues has shifted young players’ priorities, leading to an indifference toward red-ball cricket.
“Pakistan Super League (PSL) has damaged Pakistan cricket,” Arafat stated, emphasizing that players now prioritize T20 leagues over the more traditional format.
He highlighted the growing trend of teenage cricketers joining lucrative leagues, which, in his view, has led to burnout and injuries due to poor workload management.
“Players are not willing to play Test cricket anymore,” he said, expressing disappointment at the current mindset of Pakistani players.
Arafat also pointed out the role of player agents in shaping this mentality, noting that the focus has shifted from long-term career development to short-term financial gains.
He cited examples of young talents like fast bowlers Ihsanullah, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi, who have struggled with injuries early in their careers. “Shaheen’s dip in form is because he was introduced very early to international cricket, and his workload was not managed properly,” he explained.
Arafat compared Pakistan’s situation to that of countries like India, Australia, and England, where cricket boards ensure players undergo proper rehabilitation after injuries, which is not always the case in Pakistan.
The former cricketer played 3 Tests, 11 ODIs, and 13 T20Is for Pakistan in his career.
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