PCB to Consult Former Cricketers on Revamping Domestic Cricket

News Desk

Lahore: More than two dozen former cricketers will be meeting with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to discuss the country’s domestic cricket system.

Approximately 30 to 35 international cricketers are expected to provide feedback and suggestions to enhance the domestic cricket structure and make it more appealing.

During the consultation, these ex-cricketers will also be briefed on three new tournaments named “Champions.” This meeting is being convened following the national team’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where they failed to advance to the Super Eight stage.

The Green Shirts performed poorly across all aspects of the game, suffering an unexpected defeat against the United States and a subsequent loss to India, leading to their early elimination from the tournament.

The meeting also comes shortly after the team’s white-ball coach Gary Kirsten submitted a “confidential” assessment report to the PCB chairman, analyzing the team’s performance in the World Cup. 

According to sources, the report addresses issues such as players’ fitness, discipline, and game awareness, which contributed to their early exit.

Babar Azam’s future as captain is currently uncertain. 

On Thursday, Naqvi informed reporters in Lahore that the decision regarding Babar’s captaincy will be made by former cricketers and head coach Kirsten, emphasizing that no decision has been reached yet. He stressed the importance of not making decisions in anger, as hasty actions are often counterproductive.

Naqvi mentioned he is only engaging with former cricketers who are genuinely interested in improving Pakistan cricket.

The PCB chairman had previously hinted at significant changes in the squad in response to intense criticism from fans and former players.

 Furthermore, Geo News reported earlier that Kirsten had raised concerns about the players’ fitness levels. In response, the PCB has decided to reintroduce the Yo-Yo test to enhance player fitness nationwide.

The Yo-Yo test, an aerobic fitness assessment involving running between two sets of cones positioned 20 meters apart, had not been conducted recently. Director of Domestic Cricket Khurram Niazi has now approved a plan to improve fitness, with tests to be conducted in two phases starting July 11.

Players failing the fitness tests will be excluded from both the national and regional teams, with regional contracts and team selection contingent on passing these tests.