Ramiz Raja laments loss of Pakistan's fast-bowling DNA in Tests

England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, between August 19 and 21, 2026. Pakistan's batting collapse in both innings, scoring 171 and 135 against England's 409, exposed significant vulnerabilities in the touring side. The loss marked another setback in what has become a difficult period for Pakistan's Test cricket.

Former Pakistan cricketer and commentator Ramiz Raja expressed serious concerns about the direction of Pakistan's Test team following the defeat. Raja highlighted what he sees as a fundamental shift in the team's approach to the sport. His comments reflected frustration with Pakistan's recent Test record and the choices being made by players and selectors.

"You try to produce a one-dimensional team that can only win on select surfaces. You’ve discouraged pace bowling and because so many players want to play T20s because it is a route to success, they are just not bothered about playing Tests," Raja said on BBC's Test Match Special.

Raja's criticism extended to what he described as the abandonment of Pakistan's traditional strength in fast bowling. The former batter, who played 57 Test matches and 198 ODIs for Pakistan between 1984 and 1997, drew on his experience of Pakistan's successful touring sides, including the 1992 England tour when Pakistan won 2-1 in a five-Test series. He emphasised the importance of pace bowling to Pakistan's cricket identity and expressed alarm at the team's apparent move away from that foundation.

"These are desperate times for Pakistan cricket to make a comeback through pace. It has always been our thing; if you discourage the DNA that completes us, what is the point in then playing Tests?," Raja said.

Pakistan's recent Test record has been particularly poor. The team has lost 17 Tests in their last 20 matches, a statistic that Raja cited as evidence of the crisis facing Pakistan cricket. This losing streak, which extended between 2021 and 2024, reflects a broader struggle in the Test format and a shift towards spin-friendly tracks at home for winning matches.

"The first pillar has fallen and that is the fans; they are disenchanted, they are not going to back this team and who would? If you lose 17 Tests in the last 20 you have played, nobody is going to back this team," Raja said.

Pakistan's tour of England comprised three Test matches running until September 13, 2026. The team had not won a Test series in England since 1996, adding further context to the challenges facing the touring party. Raja's intervention reflected wider concerns within Pakistan cricket about the team's direction and priorities in the longest format.