Naqvi and coaches discuss Champions Trophy team formation

ISLAMABAD: The decision-makers in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are mulling raising a competitive team for the Champions Trophy in the backdrop of T20 World Cup’s failure and the lesson learnt from the lackluster performance in the US.

A well-placed source has told ‘The News’ that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s meeting with Gary Kirsten, red-ball Head Coach Jason Gillespie, and Assistant Coach Azhar Mehmood was focused at evolving measures to ensure a competitive outfit for the Champions Trophy to be hosted by Pakistan in February 2025.

“The main focus was to prepare an outfit for the Champions Trophy capable of matching the best in the world. With just six months in the start of the event, different measures were also discussed to make the best use of the remaining months to form a fit and aggressive unit capable of defending the title.”

The matter regarding finalising the name of ODI captain also came under discussion. Babar Azam’s future role in the team was one of the major agenda items. Sources close to the meeting told ‘The News’ that Gary Kirsten was not satisfied with the players’ fitness and response during some key moments during the T20 World Cup.

“Gary Kirsten shared his T20 World Cup experience with the chairman and was unhappy with the fitness level of selected players and their response during deciding moments of the game especially against India and USA.”

Kirsten, who joined the T20 World Cup team days ahead of the start of the event, also cited lack of professionalism as one of the reasons behind the team’s failures. “Instead of wasting total energy on changing captaincy, Kirsten advocated inculcating professionalism in the team where every player should be aware of his role and requirements in making the team a competitive unit.”

‘The News’ has learnt that adopting more realistic selection criteria was also discussed in the meeting. There was also talk of non-cooperation or lack of commitment by some players to the team cause. It is believed that Azhar Mehmood briefed the chairman on the team members’ general attitude and their response on different stages of the World Cup.

Longer format coach Jason Gillespie shared his plan of preparing the Test team for the hectic season where the team is scheduled to play series against Bangladesh, England, West Indies and South Africa.

The official handout issued by the PCB said that discussions during the meeting centred around making strategies for improvement in batting, bowling and fielding, with a decision to devise comprehensive plans in these areas. It was agreed that the selection would be contingent upon meeting the fitness standards.

Addressing the concerns about team composition, Naqvi acknowledged the presence of talent but highlighted the need for optimal combinations. He expressed full confidence in the coaching staff’s abilities and assured them of full support in player development and coaching matters.

The meeting also saw insights shared by the coaches aimed at enhancing team performance through structured plans, which received unanimous approval from the PCB chairman. PCB Director International Usman Wahla also attended the meeting.