Pakistan's steady rise to white-ball stability

Results have rarely been an accurate indicator of Pakistan cricket’s health. 1992 was like pulling a rabbit out of the hat, except Imran Khan never doubted their ability to win. 2009 was almost a rite of passage after Sreesanth had cut short Misbah-ul-Haq’s nearly-there onslaught in the 2007 T20 World Cup. And 2017 was a tale of success built on several aligning factors and a bit of luck with Sarfaraz Ahmed—possibly their most modest leader ever—calmly steering them through the chaotic Champions Trophy.

- Somshuvra Laha

Nobody expected Pakistan to win. Yet somehow that’s when they find the gear to drive home the incredulity of their talent. Note the formats though. And now check Pakistan’s current standing in the ICC rankings—sixth in Tests, fourth in T20Is but No 1 in ODIs.

Pakistan are a temperamental cricketing power, with possibly the highest attrition rate in the world of professional sport. Players come and go but it’s a given that only the gifted break through. The administration, in fact, has been more suspect in their callow handling of affairs.

That, along with the near decade-long exile to the UAE post the 2009 Lahore attacks have played a massive part in Pakistan’s slowdown. To remain a white-ball powerhouse despite such overwhelming odds surely points to something more than analytical reasoning can reveal.