Since the last decade or so, the dynamics of cricket have transformed by leaps and bounds – especially due to the advent of T20 cricket in 2007.
The T20 format has taken cricket to a far bigger horizon, and the rise in threatening teams like Afghanistan or Netherlands is a prominent example.
Moreover, apart from the innovative batting, bowling and fielding displays, the date-science has also become a crucial component as it helps to reassess all the major aspects of the game.
In this piece, we will dive into the changes that cricket has gone through after T20 format came into existence.
More importantly, we will also shed light on where Pakistan cricket stands in the techno-based and ever-evolving landscape of the sport.
Impact of T20
The game’s shortest format has not only added flair but has caused massive changes in the other two formats – ODIs and Test matches – besides completely altering the approach towards the sport.
It’s fair to say that today, cricket is, without doubt, a game of innovators, be it from the advent of out-of-text-book shot-making, unimaginable fielding standards, or the trend of wide Yorkers or slower ones.
The teams that are data-driven-based seem to thrive in the challenging dynamics.
After the 2015 World Cup, the ODI cricket has become a total different ball game altogether. With the usage of two new balls, a score over 350-400 is a norm.
That has also impacted the Test arena, and the ‘Bazzball’ mayhem is a clear example, as that approach will surely going to have a far-reaching impact upon the red-ball cricket.
Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 campaign
The Pakistan cricket lacks when it comes to moving in line with the new landscapes. Their disappointing performance in the ongoing marquee event is a clear example.
We always talk about our current skipper Babar Azam, not possessing the leadership skills required for a captain to be successful.
But, the more worrisome point is related to the lack of modern cricket awareness.
Like the 2019 World Cup, most likely, we will not be able to qualify for the semi-finals this year as well just because of the net-run-rate difference and inconsistent performance.
You can argue if you lose a match, but not playing by keeping the importance of NRR is more alarming.
As a result, like the previous 50-over Cup, the NRR issue is highly likely to play spoilsport.
Unfortunately, the way we played against the Netherlands was quite shocking. Despite winning the game, we were not able to post a massive score batting first and didn’t win by a humongous margin.
It’s against those teams that you need to win by big margins to avoid the NRR issue when the event reaches its business end.
What was more shocking for me was the statement from Babar after he won the toss against the Dutch side, saying that their aim would be for a total of around 290-300, considering the event being a run-fest.
Even if we argue that Hyderabad’s pitch in Pakistan’s first match was slow, it’s the approach that counts.
In that scenario, teams like England, Australia, India, New Zealand, and South Africa are miles ahead in comparison to Pakistan.
Take an example of both the ICC World Test Championships, we have never seen Pakistan playing any match by keeping the NRR and points table in mind.
On the other hand, the lack of power and pinch hitters besides a not-so-serious attitude towards maintaining top-class fitness and fielding standards is also an alarming sign for the future of our cricket. It’s the approach that has led us to the scenario where we are depending on several ifs and buts to make it to the last four.
As compared to Indians that have won all the games, or even Australia, which bounced back after two successive losses.
It’s the sluggish mindset that to make the semis, we need to go through a near-impossible quest of beating England by 287 runs.
Today’s ICC events demand not only to win matches but also to win by keeping several other aspects in mind.
Future Policies
As they say, change is the only constant.
Having the lack of power hitters, not being able to post and chase big totals consistently, and being unsuccessful in utilizing the key players through a proper rotation system are clear signs of how we are not able to catch up with changing norms.
Be it taking help in collecting insights about the opponent teams, assessing the player’s strengths and weaknesses, forming strategies, or preventing injuries and with the evolving technology, the role of data science will become much more impactful.
It is pertinent to mention that the current 50 and 20-over champions – England – have gone through a torrid campaign in the ongoing event, but still, they are a side that has a modern system in place and are brimmed with innovative and cut-for-role players.
Today’s cricket is not just about talent and skills. But, adopting the aforementioned aspects is the real key to success.
Moreover, those sitting at the helm of Pakistan’s cricket affairs have to come out of the typical political mindset and take measures if we are to do well against the world’s top teams in the future.
Such decisions are not made hastily but require long-term planning and unwavering dedication.
Will our disorganized system be able to take the bold steps to improve our cricket? Only time will tell.
Syed Irtiza Ali
