In an effort to address the disappointing performance of the national team in the ongoing World Cup, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Zaka Ashraf has initiated consultations with former Test players. Ashraf held discussions with Pakistan chief selector Inzamam ul Haq, along with ex-players Muhammad Yousuf and Aaqib Javed in Lahore. He also has plans to meet renowned cricket stalwarts including Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Umar Gul to seek their advice on the way forward.
A PCB press release highlighted Ashraf’s emphasis on engaging the expertise of former players who have represented Pakistan at the highest level. The board aims to utilize their wealth of experience to develop current players comprehensively, ensuring they are well-equipped to serve Pakistan in the future.
“These players have a wealth of experience, having represented Pakistan on the grand stage. We intend to harness their expertise to enhance the skills of our players in all facets of the game. Our goal is to cultivate players capable of serving Pakistan across all departments of cricket,” stated Ashraf.
To bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket, Ashraf announced plans for a specialized camp organized by the National Cricket Academy, featuring top talent from the domestic circuit. The primary objective of this camp is to nurture promising players, preparing them for the international arena.
While these initiatives have been met with mixed reactions from cricket analysts and former players, with some expressing skepticism about their effectiveness, Ashraf remains optimistic about the impact of these measures. However, uncertainties loom over the future of the cricket management committee, as its tenure is set to expire on November 4. Despite the challenges, the PCB is committed to exploring every avenue to revamp and elevate the national team’s performance.
