T20 WC 2024: Cricket lovers await prescription for Pakistan's ills
Cricket
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi accentuates the need for “major surgery”
Head coach Gary Kirsten shares report with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi
Naqvi is expected to have crucial meeting with Wahab Riaz, Babar Azam
Chief selector Wahab Riaz's earlier report also highlighted a lack of unity and cohesion
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan’s head coach Gary Kirsten has shared a report on team’s dismal performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 with Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
It is learnt that Kirsten has highlighted the skill level of players, mindset and physical fitness in the report.
He has questioned a lack of fitness of some players, saying they are incapable of contesting at the highest level. He has also suggested remedial measures to prepare the team for the upcoming events.
Earlier, chief selector Wahab Riaz shared a report with the PCB head and alleged fissures in the team and other issue.
The PCB chairman is also expected to meet Wahab Riaz and captain Babar Azam within the next few days.
Babar Azam returned home 10 days after the T20 World Cup debacle from Dubai.
After unsuccessful T20 World Cup bid in the United States and the West Indies, some cricketers had returned home soon after team’s exit from the tournament whereas Babar, Haris Rauf, Imad Wasim, Azam Khan and Mohammad Amir extended their stay in the US.
PCB’S KEY DECISION
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi accentuated the need for a “major surgery” after team’s abysmal performance in the world cup.
He said the team needed an overhaul, hinting at taking key decisions to set the house in order.
A few days later, the PCB in a meeting decided to bolster the domestic cricket circuit by revising contracts of players and making other necessary changes.
A meeting of the PCB decision-makers was held to mull revamp of domestic cricket to ensure availability of a pool of talented players.
The PCB management said it would bolster the domestic cricket system, improve coaching standards and help groom talented players to enable them to make it to the national cricket team.
Naqvi underscored the need to strengthen the domestic cricket system by revising contracts and arranging tournaments to elevate the quality of competition. He said the best coaches would be available to polish the talent. He said players would be selected on the basis of performance, fitness and merit.
According to media reports, the PCB decided to make participation in domestic cricket mandatory for selection in the national team.
EXPECTED CHANGES
Earlier, PCB sources said the board chairman would undertake a “cleanup operation”, meaning thereby the team's out-of-form players would be replaced.
Sources said middle-order batsmen Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Sayem Ayub, Shadab Khan and Usman Khan might face difficulties in retaining their place in the team. At the same time, sources said, domestic performers would be given a chance to play for the Pakistan cricket team.
According to board sources, Babar Azam would have to explain the reasons for the debacle. Apart from this, big changes could be made in the team management. Senior team manager and selector Wahab Riaz could face the axe.
