Pakistan in the World Test Championship: Highs, lows from 2023-25 cycle and the way forward

The 2023-25 cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) was a challenging period for Pakistan, marked by few highs and disappointing lows. The team’s performance in this cycle was a mixture of brilliance and failure, but their results also laid the foundation for potential growth in the upcoming 2025-27 cycle. As the team finishes at the bottom of the WTC standings, it is time to reflect on both their struggles and successes, and formulate a strategy for the future.

A disappointing end to the 2023-25 cycle

Pakistan's journey in the WTC 2023-25 ended in disappointment. They finished last in the standings, a bitter pill to swallow after the hopes raised by the start of the cycle, with 2-0 away win against Sri Lanka in 2023.

The final blow came with a heavy 120-run defeat to the West Indies in the second Test of a two-match series. This defeat not only leveled the series 1-1 but also halted Pakistan’s three-match winning streak at home.

In total, Pakistan played 14 Tests in this WTC cycle, winning only five and losing nine, which resulted in a dismal points percentage of 27.98%. Their victories were spread across two wins against Sri Lanka, two against England, and one against the West Indies. Despite the occasional success, the overall performance was underwhelming, and Pakistan was unable to secure enough points to challenge for a spot in the WTC Final.

Pakistan also suffered six consecutive Test defeats during this cycle. This included three away losses to Australia, two home defeats to Bangladesh, and a single loss at home to England. The home losses to Bangladesh were particularly painful, as it marked the first time Pakistan had lost a home Test series to their Asian rivals.

To make matters worse, Pakistan’s final defeat of the cycle, at the hands of the West Indies in Multan, was historic in its own right. It was the first time Pakistan had lost to the Caribbean side at home since 1990.

Reliance on spin-friendly tracks

One area where Pakistan sought to adapt was in their pitch preparation strategy. After suffering a loss on a flat pitch to England, the team began to focus on preparing spin-friendly tracks at home. This move proved to be a double-edged sword. While it helped Pakistan secure a win over the West Indies in the first Test, it also backfired during their loss in second Multan Test. The reliance on spin tracks, although well-suited to Pakistan's bowlers, came with the risk of unpredictable outcomes, especially if their batters struggled against spin.

Captain Shan Masood was quick to defend this strategy, emphasizing that individual performances might not always reflect the team’s true success. He pointed out that the team’s approach was focused on achieving results rather than individual milestones. His comments showed the importance of adaptability, both for the players and the spectators, in understanding that cricket matches in spin-friendly conditions often lead to unconventional outcomes.

The path forward for the 2025-27 cycle

With the WTC 2023-25 behind them, Pakistan must now turn their attention to the upcoming 2025-27 cycle. The road ahead offers both challenges and opportunities. The good news for Pakistan is that they will have a favorable home schedule, which they must capitalize on to improve their standing. Pakistan will host South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka for three two-Test series, while traveling to play against England, West Indies, and Bangladesh. This structure allows Pakistan to focus on dominating home series while managing their away tours.

The emphasis for Pakistan in the next cycle should be on maximizing their spin advantage at home. Historically, the team has performed well on spin-friendly pitches, as seen during their rise to the top of the Test rankings in 2016. The UAE, which served as Pakistan’s home ground, provided similar conditions, and the team’s success there can be replicated with the right approach at home. With strong spin bowling options, Pakistan’s home series against teams like South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka present an excellent opportunity to rack up points.

Pakistan will also need to improve their batting technique against spin, particularly in home conditions. While spin-friendly pitches may benefit their bowlers, they can also be a challenge for the batters, as evidenced by their defeat to the West Indies in Multan. If Pakistan’s batters are unable to adapt to spin conditions, the team’s reliance on such pitches could backfire. In this regard, the team management has decided to take steps to prepare domestic pitches similar to those expected at the international level, giving batters a chance to develop their skills against spin.

Away tours will also be critical in determining Pakistan’s fate in the 2025-27 cycle. Bangladesh and West Indies are not overly daunting, but England remains a tough assignment. However, Pakistan has historically performed well in England, and they will need to continue that tradition if they are to make an impact on the world stage. The key to success on overseas tours will be adaptability and ensuring that their performances away from home are better than in the previous cycle.

Lessons from South Africa and the blueprint for success

Pakistan can learn valuable lessons from South Africa, who secured a spot in the 2025 WTC final with strong performances both at home and away. South Africa’s ability to secure key wins at home on pace-friendly pitches, coupled with their victories against weaker sides away, helped them top the standings. Pakistan must adopt a similar strategy, focusing on dominating at home while securing key wins away.

The importance of a solid home record cannot be overstated. In the WTC structure, a team that performs well at home, combined with occasional wins away, can make a strong push for the final. Pakistan must therefore prioritize their home series, ensuring they maximize their points at home while managing the challenges of away tours.

Pakistan’s performance in the WTC 2023-25 may have been disappointing, but it has provided clarity on the team’s strengths and weaknesses. With a clear strategy in place, particularly in terms of home pitch preparation and a focus on spin, Pakistan is well-positioned to make a mark in the next cycle.

The path to the WTC final may be challenging, but with the right adjustments and a commitment to consistency, Pakistan has the potential to be a serious contender in the 2025-27 cycle.