Select players on merit, PM tells PCB Chairman

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday asked Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Naqvi not to accept even his recommendation for the inclusion of a player in the national team if he deemed it to be against the merit.

Addressing the ceremony held to mark the launch of the reconstruction of the Qaddafi Stadium project in Lahore, the prime minister said if Mohsin Naqvi succeeded in doing so, it would be a great achievement.

Shehbaz Sharif felicitated the PCB chairman on the completion of the project, saying there was a need to build cricket stadiums on modern lines.

Shehbaz Sharif stressed that there is a real need to modernize cricket stadiums. He expressed satisfaction that steps are being taken to rebuild the infrastructure of the Gaddafi Stadium on modern lines.

Shehbaz Sharif said the reformation of the cricket team is a significant achievement and only talent should be brought forward, rejecting any recommendations.

The prime minister emphasized that the team should be reformed and players should be selected on merit, directing the PCB chairman to lay more focus on the cricket team.

PCB TO ORGANIZE THE CHAMPIONS CUP EVERY YEAR, SAYS MOHSIN NAQVI

Speaking on the occasion, the PCB chairman said that the structure of domestic cricket in Pakistan was not bad. “However, we are making all possible efforts to make further improvements in it,” he said, and added, “And as part of our efforts, we will organize Champions Cup every year.”

He said that the PCB would organize the Champions Cup every year. “We are trying to make the tournament, which will be played in all three formats of the game, part of the Board’s constitution,” he said, adding, “All cricketers, who have signed a contract with the PCB, will be able to play in it.”

Naqvi informed the Board would identify and pick 150 best players for the national squad. “Hence, eight to 10 best players will be available for each position.” 

He said that five teams, consisting of ex-cricketers, would be formed.

Naqvi said that Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi stadiums are being upgraded to as per the international standards for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2024 to be held in February wherein the eight best teams of the world will participate.

PCB refutes news reports formation of disciplinary committee

“Some elements wanted the Champions Trophy not to be held in Pakistan,” the PCB chairman said.

“ICC has approved the budget for the Champions Trophy. FWO demolished the old structure of the stadium and the construction of the new stadium will be completed in 5 months,” Mohsin Naqvi said.

He said a five star hotel is also going to be built near PCB and a tunnel will help the players reach the stadium safely from the hotel wherein a modern stadium will be built in Islamabad as well.”

“International players will also play in the Champions Cup. Likes and dislikes have been a part of our history. Hopefully, there will be improvement in the coming time,” Naqvi said.

He said Sana Mir has been told to work for women’s cricket as PCB has been taking steps for the improvement of women’s cricket.

Responding to the criticism Naqvi said he did not care what anyone says about his performance.

DOMESTIC CRICKET SEASON 2024-25

PCB chairman has announced three new tournaments in the domestic cricket season 2024-25.

“I see a gap in domestic and international cricket. We did not want to get rid of the domestic structure at all,” PCB chairman told the media persons in Lahore.

Naqvi vowed to improve the selection process of domestic and international cricket. He further said domestic cup will be held in which five old players will be given teams for three years.

There will be three formats in the domestic events — Champions Cup ODI, Champions Cup T20 and Champions First Class Cup will be held in all three formats. The new season will begin on September 1 with the Champions Cup ODI tournament The aim of these tournaments is to bring our cricket up to international standards, he said.

“Our current ranking does not reflect the true potential of Pakistan, the original position is to be restored,’ Naqvi vowed.

“I am very optimistic about the future of Pakistan cricket. A total of 13,000 matches will be played at pathway and development level in this season. An increase in the number of first-class and other matches in the new domestic season as well,” he added.

The remuneration of domestic players and match fee was also increased. “A category-1 player will get Rs5.5 lakh in comparison to the Rs0.3 million in the last season,” Naqvi said.

Newly appointed Waqar Yonius thanked PCB chairman for trusting him for the new role.

“Cricket situation is in front of all of us. Until the structure of cricket is not fixed, the matter will not move forward and for this cricket legends and former cricketers should work together,” he added.