ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar M Khan hinted major changes in the national cricket team after Bangladesh series concludes.
Talking to The Nation, Shaharyar indicated that there would be massive cleanup in the present squad and lot of faces would be replaced as soon as Bangladesh series was over. He also accepted the team’s loss against Bangladesh was not easy to absolve and a sign of grave concern for the country’s cricket. “We have to look into ground realities and there are lot of issues starting from players' mental and physical fitness, organisation issues within the board, coaching and loopholes in the existing system and now on old used bullets will be replaced with young generation, as due to these old guards, we didn't give chance to what we have planned for the youngsters.”
When asked about humiliating defeats at the hands of Bangladesh, Shaharyar said: “Yes, we have lost the series very badly, but we have picked a very balanced and strong squad, mainly based on youngsters who had performed very well during the domestic circuit and we had pinned high hopes and hoping for the best results, but there are some encouraging signs as well. Azhar Ali played responsibly and showed signs of leadership qualities. Off course, no one can expect overnight results from anybody. The team will take time before it settles down, as mainly young players have been giving nod of approval.”
He said in the past, youngsters were not given enough opportunities that was the main reason they struggled when they were finally given chance. “I have kept a very close eye on domestic structure and we are giving top priority on setting up cricket academies at regional level, and also work on school-level kids, as they are the grassroots level and we can find lot of talent from a number of schools in the country, which will certainly help the players get matured and provide national team pool of fresh and talented players who will replace current players, fast reaching at the twilight of their careers.”
When asked about proposed visit of Zimbabwe team to Pakistan, the PCB chief said: “We will provide them best available security and ensure no untoward incident occurs. It will be a test of our resolve and future of international cricket revival in Pakistan heavily depend on how we manage to conduct smooth and trouble free series.
“I am confident enough our security forces have done tremendous job in the recent past and they are capable of taking good care of the visiting teams. It will also provide our masses an opportunity to witness their favorite players in action at home ground after a long gap. The main reason behind our players struggling at international stage is just because of playing no cricket at home grounds while other teams are enjoying unlimited international cricket at their own backyards. I am hopeful with the fast improvement in the country's security, the things will change very quickly and soon our stadiums will be packed with crowds watching international teams playing at our grounds.”
He said Kenyan security team traveled to Pakistan to check security arrangements and they were completely satisfied with the security arrangements and they had no complaints whatsoever regarding security in Pakistan. It was a great sign and message for international teams they must follow the same and visit Pakistan. We will provide them red box security and I can assure we are very sports loving nation and give lot of respect to visiting international teams and players.”
Shahryar also inaugurated a cricket ground in Pakistan Sweet Homes premises on Sunday. He promised to continue financial and moral support of the Sweet Home children, while on the request of given affiliation to Pakistan Sweet Home cricket team with the PCB, Shaharyar promised to look into this matter, while on another request of providing training to Sweet Homes kids from national cricketers.” Shahryar also promised to take up the issue in the PCB and will do his level best to fulfill the dream of kids who deserves most. He highly lauded Pakistan Sweet Homes administration for giving shelter to homeless children and term it a great service for the humanity.