The reforms, announced by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, are designed to address the team’s recent struggles and restore Pakistan’s reputation as a cricketing powerhouse.
The reforms include the addition of esteemed coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie to the selection committee, along with former Test cricketers Mohammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq, and current team captains from both white-ball and red-ball formats. This move is aimed at bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the selection process.
Furthermore, every player will now undergo a rigorous fitness assessment every three months, and participation in domestic cricket has been made mandatory. This move is designed to ensure that players are consistently performing at a high level and are physically fit for international competition.
Discipline and team unity have also been deemed non-negotiable, with Naqvi emphasizing the importance of these values. Any player found violating these principles will face strict consequences. This move comes in the wake of recent reports of misconduct by star bowler Shaheen Afridi.
The PCB has also announced plans to upgrade the current high-performance centers, as well as the training of local coaches. High-performance centers will be built in Islamabad and Peshawar, and separate coaches for Pakistan Shaheens and Under 19 cricket teams will be appointed. Consistent series and tournaments for these teams will also be organized.
Overall, these reforms represent a major overhaul of the Pakistan cricket system and are aimed at restoring the team’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.
