Azhar Ali addresses Pakistan's struggles in Test cricket, stating that the passion to play is not the issue.

Former Pakistan cricket captain Azhar Ali has expressed concern over the country's recent challenges in Test cricket, attributing them to the decline of departmental cricket, which he views as a crucial foundation for player development. Azhar, who has represented Pakistan in nine Test matches and 31 One Day Internationals, emphasized the importance of departmental teams as a vital "nursery" for nurturing talent within the national squad. He cautioned that the weakening of this system could have detrimental effects on the future of cricket in Pakistan.

Azhar criticized the PCB for its frequent alterations to the domestic structure, suggesting that stability is essential for any system to thrive. "The first thing I'd do is to give any system we implement a few years. If you change every year, then you were either wrong last year, or you're wrong now," he remarked. His own career was significantly shaped by departmental cricket, which he believes provided essential financial security for young players.

In conclusion, Azhar Ali's insights underscore the critical need for a robust departmental cricket system in Pakistan to ensure the continued development of future cricketing talent. Without such support, the future of the sport in the country may be at risk.