The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is exploring various options so that the financial concerns plaguing the domestic cricketers don’t take a turn for the worse, especially because of the global spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

According to sources, the PCB’s cricket committee will discuss the possibility of holding an event for cricketers who are affected by the new domestic structure next year. Grade two tournament, based on departmental teams, will also be part of the discussion.

Although the date for the meeting is not yet set, but bearing in the mind the circumstances, it is expected that this will also be a teleconference later this month. 

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It must be noted that the board has spent more than PKR1 billion on the new domestic structure but, so far, no visible improvement in country’s cricket can be seen. The board believes that things can’t be improved overnight and patience is required before we jump to conclusions.

Pakistan’s head coach-cum-chief selector Misbhul Haq has also urged all the stakeholders to come forward and help the cricketers in this difficult hour.  

“We have to do something for the unemployed departmental cricketers because if we don’t take care of them they will leave cricket which won’t be good for our cricket, in the same manner as players from other sports, such as hockey, when they faced financial issues,” said Misbah. “In departmental structure, around 500 players were employed but now that number has dropped to around 200. The board is thinking about how to incorporate the unemployed cricketers in the current setup.” 

“We have also approached the government and departments in this regard, which includes the department I played, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited. All the stakeholders have to come together and think about the well-being of cricketers,” he added. “Departments, alone, can’t bear the expenses provincial expenses. Three to four sponsors, including PSL franchises, can help us get through this.”