The long game

Recently, a great Indian batsman, former captain of the Indian cricket team, and former chairman of the BCCI, Sourav Ganguly, talked briefly about how Indian cricket players have found a winning combination and how they have improved in all departments of the game. The PCB should take note. He claimed that the key to success in international cricket comes from playing more four-day and five-day cricket. A shorter format also means less learning. It is the longer, test and first-class formats that help build the physical and mental strength needed to play good cricket at the highest level.

The performance of our players at the Cricket World Cup showed that they cannot perform at the highest level where one faces top opposition. The cricket authorities should also look into strengthening the domestic-, club-, and school-level cricket structure and provide ample facilities and support to aspiring players.

Anas A Khan

Edmonton

Canada