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Test cricket is considered the finest and most traditional format of the game. For years, strong teams have always prioritized Test cricket. In contrast, Pakistan is slowly fading from the legacy in Test cricket once established by Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan during their prime. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) apparent lack of interest in red-ball cricket and the limited scheduling of Test matches are raising concerns about the future of Pakistan’s Test team.
Limited Test Matches Scheduled in a Year:
The PCB managed to schedule only five Test matches for Pakistan in the entire year of 2025. These matches were part of bilateral series against the West Indies and South Africa. Meanwhile, the management prioritized shorter formats, as Pakistan played 74 T20Is and 34 ODIs in 2025, a huge contrast to the limited number of Test matches. By playing only five Tests a year, it is unsurprising that the team struggles to maintain a strong image in red-ball cricket.
Pakistan’s Ranking in Test Cricket:
Pakistan’s struggles in Test cricket continue, with the team currently ranked 7th on the ICC Test points table with 2050 points. Once, this team dominated the rankings in 2016, Pakistan beat England 2-0 in the UAE, suppressed India, and achieved the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings. It was a historic moment for Pakistan cricket, with then captain Misbah-ul-Haq stating:
“There is no greater feeling than to achieve the No. 1 ranking in the most traditional and purest format of the sport.”
This was probably the last time when Pakistan cricket team fans witnessed this moment, because watching current situation of Pakistan cricket team in test cricket clearly states that there’s no chance of Pakistan to dominate in the ICC test cricket rankings at least for years.
Pakistan’s Position in the World Test Championship (WTC):
Even in the World Test Championship, Pakistan remains unstable. The Test series against South Africa in October 2025 was the first series for both teams in the 2025–27 WTC cycle. Since the series ended in a draw, Pakistan slipped to 5th place in the WTC rankings, while South Africa moved up to 4th place.
Also see,
Is Test Captain Shan Masood continuing for the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle?
Ex-Cricketers Slam Poor Management:
Witnessing the Pakistan cricket team’s decline in the longest format, several former cricketers criticized the PCB’s management for failing to schedule enough red-ball matches and gradually neglecting Test cricket.
Pakistan Test cricket coach Azhar Mehmood stated:
“Pakistan’s lack of consistent exposure to the longer format has prevented players from developing the endurance and mindset required for Test success.”
Former Test captain Azhar Ali added:
“There are only five Test matches in a year. How can we expect the Pakistan cricket team to reach No. 1 in ICC Test rankings? It’s very tough.”
Also see: Complete WTC 2025-27 Schedule – Who are Pakistan playing this time?
To make a comeback in Test cricket and revive the legacy of red ball cricket, which was once set by Pakistan, it is necessary to prioritize this format. Nowadays, for the Pakistan cricket team’s management, cricket seems to be all about the shorter formats, especially T20Is. This is causing players to lose their stamina and consistency in the longer format, as they are becoming more accustomed to limited-overs cricket. This is the main reason why Pakistani players struggle in Test cricket. The management should focus on scheduling enough Test series to give new life to red-ball cricket in Pakistan. The more players focus on the longer format, the stronger their overall game will become.
Even former Test cricketer Bilal Asif says:
“I would advise focusing on the long format instead of the short format. Once you gain command over Test cricket, you can easily play white-ball cricket.”
