Former Pakistan Test spinner and ex-chief selector Iqbal Qasim has delivered a scathing assessment of the country's modern cricket setup, claiming that young players are increasingly prioritising financial gain over skill refinement and game awareness.

Qasim, who represented Pakistan in 50 Test matches and took 999 wickets across a decorated first-class career, voiced serious concern over what he perceives as a lack of dedication and long-term vision in the domestic and international pipeline.

Misplaced Priorities and Financial Distractions

Speaking to PTI, Qasim suggested that lucrative franchise contracts, particularly in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), have skewed the focus of emerging talents away from the core disciplines of red-ball and international cricket.

“I don’t want to talk about the past or when we played cricket. But seriously I see a general lack of interest or commitment among most of the young players to focus and work hard on improving their game awareness and skills and they seem more focused on earning money,” Qasim said.

“Even now with cricket changing so much over the last few decades the formula to success remains that how much time is a player(s) individually willing to give to improve upon his skill sets and reading the game. And that is not happening frequently now in Pakistan cricket.”

The 71-year-old also pointed out an over-reliance on analytical tools and support staff at the expense of self-reliance and match temperament.

“There is too much reliance on young players on coaches, assistants and data; they don’t spend enough time individually on working out things,” he explained. “I think playing for your country is the biggest reward a player can get. I have always believed the better you improve your quality as a player the more money will come automatically you don’t have to chase it.”

Criticism of Paid Selection Panels and Past Lessons

Qasim also took aim at contemporary selection committees, contrasting modern paid roles with the honorary positions held in earlier decades, while criticising a perceived lack of strategic clarity.

“I have been a chief selector and member of the selection committee several times and we worked on an honorary basis with no salaries or fees,” he recalled. “Nowadays the selectors get paid handsome salaries for being on the selection committee but I see a lack of vision when making decisions.”

Reflecting on his tenure as chief selector, Qasim highlighted the importance of clear jurisdictional boundaries between captains, administrators, and selectors. He cited an incident when he insisted on picking Shahid Afridi for a tour of the West Indies despite resistance from then-captain Misbah-ul-Haq.

“I told Zaka Sahab and captain, Misbah who didn’t want Afridi in the team that it is the selectors' domain to pick 16 best players and it is the captain's domain to play the 11 he wanted. So I would not drop Afridi. Misbah told me he will not play him and I said fine that is your prerogative but he will go,” Qasim said, noting that Afridi subsequently starred with the ball upon taking the field.

Qasim concluded by reiterating that blurred lines of authority and a lack of individual dedication remain significant impediments holding Pakistan cricket back on the global stage.