Former cricketers raise concerns over team selection and leadership shifts at PCB meeting

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A high-level meeting of former cricketers was held at a hotel on Mall Road, Lahore. The meeting, chaired by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Raza Naqvi, aimed to gather insights and suggestions from experienced players to enhance the national cricket setup.

According to sources, over fifteen former Test and international cricketers participated in the discussion, exchanging a range of suggestions to bolster the country's cricket infrastructure. The meeting included notable figures such as Salman Butt, Ijaz Ahmed, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Basit Ali, Intikhab Alam, Asim Kamal, Mohammad Sami, Shafiq Papa, Yasir Hameed, Saleem Altaf, Haroon Rasheed, Yasir Shah, Sikandar Bakht, Wajahatullah Wasti, and Azhar Khan.

A key issue raised during the meeting was the team combination and selection in the recently-concluded ICC T20 World Cup. Some cricketers were not happy over the team's composition, pointing out an imbalance with too many openers and a lack of reliable middle-order batters.

They argued that this poor selection strategy was detrimental to the team's performance. Additionally, frequent changes in the captaincy were highlighted as a significant factor contributing to the team's instability. Some former cricketers repeatedly deemed changes in captaincy harmful for the team, sources say.

The cricketers emphasized the importance of prioritizing fitness without any compromise, underscoring that it is crucial for achieving consistent performance.

In response, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi assured the attendees that the board would take serious steps to address the concerns raised. He committed to improving Pakistan's domestic cricket structure and other related matters based on the valuable suggestions provided during the meeting.

Former cricketers also voiced concerns regarding the quality of pitches in Pakistan, raising questions about their suitability for high-level cricket matches.

"You have shown your work before. Hopefully, you will also improve cricket," former cricketers told Naqvi during a meeting.

Mohsin Naqvi has pledged to take all necessary measures to enhance cricket in Pakistan. He emphasized that the focus will be on four-day matches and Under-19 tournaments. Naqvi highlighted the need to raise the standard of Pakistani coaches, stressing that urgent efforts are required to bring them up to international levels. 

Plans are in place to hold the cricket summer season in Abbottabad or Hunza. Naqvi noted that increased commercialism has led to a lack of interest from departments in investing in cricket. The PCB is taking charge of the grounds to improve cricket, and steps will be taken to enhance the quality of pitches.

Notably, the meeting had also invited former captains Javed Miandad and Rashid Latif. However, Javed Miandad could not attend due to ill health, and Rashid Latif apologized for his absence due to prior commitments.

In an informal conversation after the meeting, Mohsin Naqvi mentioned that discussions were held on various aspects of domestic cricket, with everyone providing excellent advice. There was a strong emphasis on fitness and the need for consistent decision-making.

"Will Babar Azam remain captain?" asked the journalist. "There has been no discussion on this yet," replied Mohsin Naqvi.

Naqvi also clarified that the focus of the meeting was primarily on structural improvements and strategic insights for the future of Pakistan cricket.