Lahore - Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Operating Officer (COO), Salman Naseer, emphasised that team unity was a key focus of the recently concluded ‘Connection Camp,’ held at Gaddafi Stadium.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Naseer revealed that the high-level meeting was called to address various challenges facing the national cricket team ahead of a demanding schedule. The Connection Camp was designed to foster open dialogue and collaboration among team members and management, following concerns about a dip in both on-field performance and off-field cohesion.
The COO acknowledged these struggles, highlighting the importance of resolving internal issues to ensure the team’s success moving forward.“We are entering a busy phase, so this was the perfect time to sit together and address the matters at hand,” he said and added: “We focused on three or four key areas, especially team unity and collaboration, which are crucial as we look to reignite our excellence.”
Naseer outlined that the camp allowed team members and management to engage in transparent discussions, pinpoint areas of improvement, and establish a clear vision. “The camp was an opportunity to identify where we are lacking, and to build a roadmap for how we can improve both as a team and as individuals,” he said and added: “It was a candid session, where honesty was paramount, and we discussed unity, collaboration, and the importance of clear communication moving forward.”
When asked about the current state of unity within the squad, the PCB COO explained that addressing this issue was one of the core reasons for holding the camp. “This session was a chance for everyone to openly acknowledge challenges and commit to improvements. We are aware that success in cricket is only possible when we work together as a cohesive unit.”
Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, Gary Kirsten, hailed the camp as a success. “The Connection Camp was brilliant. We focused on supporting one another, and I believe we have largely achieved what we set out to do. There is a renewed commitment to restoring Pakistan cricket’s pride,” he said.
Echoing Kirsten’s sentiments, Pakistan’s red-ball head coach, Jason Gillespie, called the camp a “wonderful opportunity” to strengthen bonds within the team. “We had a chance to connect and realign our goals, and this was the right moment to do so,” he added.
The Connection Camp marks a pivotal step in the PCB’s efforts to revitalize Pakistan cricket, with a firm emphasis on unity, collaboration, and enhanced performance as the team prepares for a challenging international calendar.
