Following continued criticism of the team’s recent performances, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced a major overhaul of the system to improve the quality of cricket. Naqvi has discussed the matter with other PCB stakeholders, as well as the white-ball and red-ball head coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie. Naqvi also revealed that both Kirsten and Gillespie will sit on the selection committee, along with former players Mohammed Yousuf and Asad Shafiq, and the current team captains for both white-ball and red-ball formats.
Amid reports of star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi disrespecting head coach Gary Kirsten, Naqvi stressed that there would be zero tolerance for indiscipline and warned players against collectivism within the team.
The PCB has made fitness a key part of the selection process and players will have to undergo tests every three months, he added.
“There will be no compromise on discipline. There will be a zero tolerance policy towards undisciplined players. There should be unity and consensus in the team. Grouping of players will not be tolerated. The management should take strict action against grouping. Undisciplined players have no place in the team. Please do not accept my recommendations regarding undisciplined players,” Naqvi said in a statement issued by the PCB.
Naqvi also assured that both Kirsten and Gillespie would be given free rein by the board to improve the situation of the national team.
“Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie have been fully empowered. I have every confidence in them. Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie have been given free reign and I expect the best from them both,” he added.
It was also decided that when considering players applying for NOC to play in foreign leagues, strict technical guidelines would be followed, the primary objective of which was to ensure the players’ fitness and availability for the national team.
“Only players who meet high fitness and performance standards will receive NOCs, thus ensuring a high level of representation in international leagues,” the official said.
The meeting also decided that it will be mandatory for all players to play domestic cricket and the selectors have been asked to monitor this before selecting players for the national team.
The official said all those present at the meeting unanimously decided that there would be zero tolerance for disciplinary action and severe penalties would be imposed if players were caught grouping together in order to maintain team unity and morale.
Plans are also underway to upgrade high performance centres across the country to promote grassroots cricket.
New centres will be established in Islamabad and Peshawar, and Gillespie and Kirsten will be tasked with overseeing these efforts.
(With PTI input)
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