In August 2016, Pakistan became the world’s No. 1 Test team. It remains my favourite memory from the revival between 2009 and 2017, particularly because Pakistan reached the top while playing its home cricket abroad.

That side was not always glamorous, but it had character. Under Misbah-ul-Haq, the players understood their roles and usually looked greater than the sum of their parts. There was patience in the batting, discipline in the bowling and, above all, a sense of stability.

Pakistan cricket today feels different. Gifted players still emerge and the team can beat almost anyone on its day. But talent is being asked to rescue a system that no longer develops players consistently.

Good intentions are not enough. Pakistan cricket needs a stable structure, the right people and the patience to stay with a long-term plan.

Good intentions are not enough. Pakistan cricket needs a stable structure, the right people and the patience to stay with a long-term plan.

After every defeat, the same debate begins. Remove the captain. Sack the coach. Recall one senior player and drop another. Promote the latest performer from the Pakistan Super League. Within days, everyone has found a new villain, while very little attention is paid to what lies beneath the national team.

In my view, the domestic structure is where the decline begins.

Pakistan has repeatedly changed the system through which its cricketers are supposed to develop. Departments have disappeared and returned. Regional teams have been reorganised, and competitions have changed according to the thinking of........

© Daily Times