Pakistan Cricket Board’s Approach Under Scrutiny
Pakistan’s cricketing landscape has been under heavy criticism due to the national team’s recent struggles in major International Cricket Council (ICC) events. With underwhelming performances in two World Cups and the Champions Trophy, stakeholders and fans expected a fresh start. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has seemingly resisted the urge to introduce new talent, opting instead to include seasoned veterans in the upcoming National T20 Cup.
Senior Players Over Young Talent
Despite being named as mentors for their respective regional teams, Shoaib Malik (43), Wahab Riaz (39), and Sarfaraz Ahmed (37) were controversially included as players in the squads of Sialkot, Karachi, and Lahore, respectively. This move was met with widespread backlash, prompting Wahab and Sarfaraz to withdraw from their teams. Shoaib Malik, however, remains in the Sialkot squad, raising further concerns about favoritism and lack of transparency in selection policies.
Wahab Riaz’s Changing Roles in PCB
Wahab Riaz’s association with the PCB has evolved significantly over time. Initially appointed as the chief selector on an ad-hoc basis by former chairman Zaka Ashraf, he retained his role under current chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Wahab was also named a member of the national selection committee and served as the team manager during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Now, as the head of PCB’s mentorship program, his inclusion as a player in the National T20 Cup was viewed as a conflict of interest, leading to his eventual withdrawal.
According to PCB sources, Wahab was replaced by Ahmad Bashir in the Lahore squad.
Mentorship Program or Prolonged Careers?
Shoaib Malik’s retention in the Sialkot team was justified by the head coach Mansoor Amjad as part of an ‘infield mentoring’ initiative. According to Amjad, this strategy aims to blend experience with youth by allowing seasoned players to guide emerging talent during matches.
“This strategy has never been implemented before and is expected to provide young players with valuable insights from experienced players,” Amjad stated.
However, critics argue that this approach deprives younger players of crucial opportunities, while providing veterans with an extended playing career.
PCB’s Justification for Veteran Inclusions
A PCB spokesperson defended the selection process, citing contractual obligations for mentors to serve for 224 days annually. The spokesperson emphasized that the remaining days could be used for personal commitments, including playing or media engagements.
“If a regional team wants to include a mentor as a player, the PCB has no objections,” the spokesperson said.
This stance, however, raises further concerns about the blurred lines between mentorship and active participation in domestic tournaments.
Potential Conflict of Interest
Several PCB mentors, including Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, also work as television analysts. This dual role allows them to critique the same national team they are responsible for mentoring, raising ethical concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
While the PCB has not officially addressed this issue, many experts believe that such arrangements undermine the credibility of the board’s developmental initiatives.
Financial Challenges and Reduced Player Compensation
Adding to the growing list of grievances, the PCB has drastically reduced match fees for National T20 Cup players. Previously, players in the playing XI received Rs100,000 per match, but this amount has now been slashed to Rs10,000. Reserve players will earn a mere Rs5,000 per match.
Meanwhile, the board continues to allocate significant funds toward stadium renovations. Work is currently underway at Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore), National Stadium (Karachi), and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
However, despite these expenditures, the PCB has yet to clear outstanding payments from last season, leaving players and umpires frustrated. Additionally, the board has failed to implement a long-promised annual pension increase for former Test cricketers.
FAQs
1. Why did Wahab Riaz and Sarfaraz Ahmed withdraw from the National T20 Cup?
Wahab and Sarfaraz faced backlash for their inclusion as players despite being mentors. They eventually opted out, following public criticism and pressure from stakeholders.
2. What is the PCB’s justification for including senior players in the National T20 Cup?
The PCB claims that mentors can participate as players if their regional teams choose to include them. The board sees this as a way to provide ‘infield mentoring’ to young cricketers.
3. How has the PCB’s financial situation impacted domestic players?
The PCB has significantly reduced match fees for domestic players. The per-match fee for players in the playing XI has been reduced from Rs100,000 to Rs10,000, while reserve players will receive Rs5,000 per match.
4. What role does Shoaib Malik play in the National T20 Cup?
Shoaib Malik remains a part of the Sialkot squad as a player and mentor, despite criticism that his inclusion takes opportunities away from younger cricketers.
5. Is there a conflict of interest with PCB mentors also working as TV analysts?
Yes, several mentors, including Shoaib Malik and Wahab Riaz, also work as television analysts, critiquing the national team while being responsible for its development. This raises ethical concerns.
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