Plans are underway to upgrade high-performance centers nationwide to bolster grassroots cricket
The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, has announced a significant overhaul of its policies to boost the national team's performance.
Naqvi revealed that both the esteemed coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie will join the selection committee along with former Test cricketers Mohammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq, along with current team captains from both white-ball and red-ball formats.
Every player will now undergo a rigorous fitness assessment every three months. Participation in domestic cricket has been made mandatory, with the selection committee tasked to oversee this process meticulously.
Addressing concerns over player incentives, the Chief Selector has opted not to reduce the central contract amounts. Instead, a revamped one-year contract structure will evaluate players' performance and fitness quarterly. This will determine the categorization of players within the central contract framework.
Stringent guidelines for issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to players for league participation have been outlined. Only those meeting stringent fitness and performance criteria will receive NOCs, ensuring a high standard of representation in international leagues.
Emphasizing discipline as non-negotiable, the board has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline. Instances of player grouping will be met with strict penalties to uphold team unity and morale.
Plans are underway to upgrade high-performance centers nationwide to bolster grassroots cricket. New centers in Islamabad and Peshawar are set to be established, with Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie tasked to oversee these initiatives.
Looking ahead, the NCA plans to appoint dedicated coaches for the Shaheens and Under-19 teams, alongside organizing regular tournaments to nurture emerging talent. Mohammad Yousuf, Asad Shafiq, Usman Wahla, and Nadeem Khan have been entrusted with evaluating domestic contracts, ensuring equitable opportunities across all tiers of cricketing talent.