ISLAMABAD: Pakistan cricket think-tank vouched to put up resolute efforts on all fronts to play a better brand of cricket internationally than what was on display during the 2-0 loss against Bangladesh.
The participants of Connection Camp discussed all the technical aspects in special context with the national team’s recent performance and the missing link between domestic and international cricket. The session was participated by some leading cricketers, red and white ball coaches and team management members.
‘The News’ has learnt that active cricketers shared their grievances and shortcomings which they believed had been major hurdles in systematic development and promotion of cricket in the country.
“We openly talked about the lack of continuity in the system with no one being certain as to what is coming next when it comes to decisions regarding cricketers’ roles in different capacities. We also suggested some improvements on different fronts for a better coordination between cricketers and top management including the consultation role in decision making that directly affects cricketers’ future,” one of the cricketers on the anonymity told The News. He said that they were promised better future coordination.
“At the same time we were promised by the PCB high-ups to solve the genuine problems in due course or as these appear in due course.” Pakistan Cricket Board (PSB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi participated in the session through video link, sharing his point of view on different matters.
It is believed that PCB high-ups also shared what they wanted from cricketers, especially those who are representing the country at the highest international level. “There is a lack of professionalism which requires a marked improvement if we want to compete against the best teams. The requirement is to work on the fitness level which has been an area of concern of coaches,” some team officials said.
Cricketers boosted their past performances, saying that the same team/cricketers defeated all the leading teams in the past. “There is a need for solid decisions backed by the PCB. As temporary and weak decisions fetch no results.”
Later, Salman Naseer, Chief Operating Officer PCB, talked to the media, highlighting the outcome of the Connection Camp. “The session was important from a prospective as to what should be the way forward. Where we stand and what is required. Everyone contributed to the discussion and shared his point of view,” The COO said that other players have also been taken in confidence.
“We talked about the collective efforts to make a marked improvement on technical fronts in the coming days. It was Naqvi’s idea to organize such a session where one should be aware of the responsibilities and requirements for the future of cricket,” he said.
Salman confirmed evolving a roadmap for the future cricket in Pakistan without sharing the salient points of the newly evolved system. “We have discussed how to make a collective effort to raise the standards.” Garry Kirsten, white-ball cricket coach, called for a better understanding of the game at all levels.
“We discussed how to improve professionalism so that the best results can be achieved. It was really encouraging to see active cricketers participating in discussion.” Test team coach Jason Gillespie also termed the session as a productive one. “It was really encouraging to see everyone participating in the pep talk. “Such an effort helps in removing the flaws and getting best results in future.” Salman admitted that time was too short for wholesale changes.
“Such a session always gives you a better idea as to what the requirements are and how to take up the next challenge.” Kirsten was excited at the talent present in the country. “I have been watching the Champions Cup ODI for the last 12 days. The country is full of talented cricketers. I am excited to see their performance and hope that some of these will go on to earn a name in international cricket.”
