Azhar Ali Calls for Long-Term Reset as Pakistan Test Crisis Deepens

Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has called for a sustained overhaul of the country's cricket system, warning that the Test team's decline cannot be reversed within a year. In an interview published by The Guardian on Monday, the 41-year-old said Pakistan require a clear vision capable of restoring public confidence and developing players over several seasons.

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His intervention follows heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord's during Pakistan's tour of England. The two losses were followed by seven players being removed from the touring party and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed being moved aside. Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq also resigned as a selector in protest at the decisions, according to The Guardian's report.

Azhar pointed to results that extend beyond the current series. Pakistan are bottom of the World Test Championship for a second consecutive cycle and have lost 15 of their past 20 matches. He linked that record to repeated changes involving coaches, selectors and captains, as well as a domestic structure that has been regularly redesigned.

The former batter also criticised high performance director Aaqib Javed, arguing that senior officials must accept responsibility for appointments and results. Azhar served for 12 months as Pakistan's head of youth development before leaving the role last year. He told The Guardian that his position became unworkable after key under-19 decisions were taken without his involvement.

Azhar expressed sympathy for Babar Azam, who is two months into his second spell as captain and has gone nearly four years without a Test century. He said the batter has faced constant expectations and insufficient internal support, and suggested Babar may need to consider his position amid the instability surrounding the team.

For recovery, Azhar advocated a settled domestic system, stronger investment in pathway coaching and better pay for leading players. He placed particular emphasis on producing red-ball fast bowlers at a time when shorter-format leagues offer powerful financial incentives. His proposed timetable is deliberately measured: appoint capable people, back them for three or four years and allow four to five years for the available talent to produce a meaningful turnaround.