Naqvi announces steps for development of Pakistan team

In a significant move aimed at enhancing cricket and team performance, Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi has made several key decisions.

Notably, Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie have been inducted into the selection committee.

Furthermore, it has been mandated that each player must undergo a fitness test every three months. Participation in domestic cricket is now compulsory for players, with the selection committee finalising the criterion with respect to participation domestic cricket.

The decision has been made not to reduce the remuneration in the central contract of the national players.

The duration of the central contract will be one year, and it will be reviewed annually based on players’ performance and fitness.

The inclusion of players in various categories of the central contract will follow a defined procedure. A technical method for issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for playing in leagues will be established, and players meeting the criteria will be granted NOCs.

Players who meet the standards of fitness and performance will be given the opportunity to progress. Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi emphasised that there will be zero tolerance for indiscipline, and any player violating discipline will face strict action.

Team unity and harmony are paramount, and players engaging in infighting will not be spared. The management is instructed to take stringent action against any such behaviour.

Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi has called for an upgrade plan for high-performance centres and an enhancement in the training methods of coaches.

He also announced the establishment of high-performance centres in Islamabad and Peshawar, with Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie tasked with presenting a final report on this matter.

Instructions have been issued to appoint separate coaches for the Shaheens and Under-19 teams and to develop a comprehensive programme for regular tournaments.

The Director of High-Performance Centres has been tasked with improving the women’s cricket team performance & skills and reviewing their central contracts. A review of men’s domestic contracts has been entrusted to Mohammad Yousuf, Asad Shafiq, Usman Wahla, and Nadeem Khan.

Chairman PCB has directed immediate action to enhance the quality of pitches and stressed the importance of investing in new talent to produce outstanding players. He expressed full confidence in Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, granting them complete autonomy and expecting excellent results from them.

The three-hour-long meeting, chaired by Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi, took place at National Cricket Academy., Lahore. The participants reviewed various proposals for cricket improvement and had detailed discussions on upgrading high-performance centres and enhancing the standards of Pakistani coaches. The meeting was attended by White ball Head Coach Gary Kirsten, Red ball Head Coach Jason Gillespie, COO PCB Salman Naseer, Director International PCB Usman Wahla, Assistant Coach Azhar Mahmood, Selection Committee members Mohammad Yousuf, Asad Shafiq, Bilal Afzal, Director High-Performance Centres Nadeem Khan, and Director Domestic Cricket Abdullah Khurram Niazi.