Pakistan’s national cricket team may be enduring a turbulent phase, but Aaqib Javed believes the foundation for a long-overdue revival is finally being laid. The former pacer and current Director of High Performance at the PCB has laid out a bold yet pragmatic vision for Pakistan’s cricket future—one that he insists will begin delivering results within a year.
From lost ground to rebuilding: The infrastructure gap
During a recent visit to Hyderabad’s historic Niaz Stadium, Aaqib reflected on how the absence of international cricket and underdeveloped infrastructure over the past 15 years severely weakened the country’s cricketing ecosystem.
“For 12 to 15 years, we didn’t have proper grounds or academies. At first, it didn’t look like a big problem, but once your player pipeline dries up, the gap becomes visible,” Aaqib Javed said.
He pointed to a global shift in the sport over the past two decades as countries embraced professionalism at scale—something Pakistan failed to keep pace with.
“I think it depends on the era when you are playing against other competitive side and I think after 2000 or 2010 a rapid change is witnessed in the game of cricket with some teams becoming professionals and some took their professionalism to the next level,” Aaqib remarked.
Hope in youth and a shifting structure
Despite the historical setbacks, Aaqib is confident that Pakistan is now entering a crucial transition phase, driven by the emergence of young talent and renewed efforts at the grassroots level.
“There’s hope in the youngsters,” he said. “Even from Hyderabad, players are close to representing the national side. You’ll start seeing visible improvement within the next year.”
“Positive side is that we are seeing hope in youngsters. Even two players Salman and Saad Khan from Hyderabad will hopefully be playing for the national side,” he disclosed, describing the current phase as a “shift” in national cricket.
“This is a shift and it can take time. I don’t say it will take five years’ time but in next one year you will find improvement,” Aaqib promised.
He further emphasized the need for a structured environment at every level of cricket development.
“From under-15s to seniors, every player needs the right environment. Without that, your cricket structure collapses,” he warned.
“Right from seniors to youngsters falling in the U-15 to U-17 categories everyone needs an enabling cricket environment to produce quality cricketers,” he said, warning that without this focus, “the pipeline of producing cricketers becomes weaker.”
Defending current performance and long-term strategy
While recent results have been mixed, Aaqib defended the team’s showing in key tournaments and under new leadership.
“It’s not been too long that Salman is at the helm. You don’t achieve all the things you aspire to in two to three months. I am satisfied with the Asian Cup and the performance which we lost after a close fight,” he said, adding that Pakistan has won four of its last six Tests.
He also backed the strategy of preparing spin-friendly pitches for home Test series as a way to maximize local advantages.
“You always look how to win the Test match or any other strategy can help win you matches. Every home side takes advantage of home ground therefore we should also do the same.”
On the broader comparison with India’s cricketing rise, Aaqib acknowledged the hard work done by their neighbors while remaining hopeful for Pakistan’s resurgence.
“But Pakistan was not able to focus development of game in last 14-15 years. The beginning has been made now and we will compete again,” he stated.
Niaz Stadium and PSL ambitions
Aaqib also assessed Hyderabad’s Niaz Stadium for its potential to host high-level cricket, including Pakistan Super League and ODI fixtures. Though he expressed satisfaction with the venue’s basic condition, he highlighted areas requiring upgrades.
“I am told that the Hyderabad leadership is building a hostel. Practice area needs to be developed here. The dressing room has some standards so we will share requirements and proposals so that the stadium was able to host PSL and ODI,” he said.
