PM Shehbaz tells PCB to select cricket team on merit
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Asking Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Naqvi to fully concentrate on cricket, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday asked him not to accept even his recommendation for the inclusion of a player in the national team if he deemed it to be against the merit, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Addressing the ceremony held to mark the launch of reconstruction of the Qaddafi Stadium project in Lahore, the prime minister said if Mohsin Naqvi succeeded in doing so, it would be a great achievement.
Shehbaz Sharif felicitated the PCB chairman on the completion of the project, saying there was a need to build cricket stadiums on modern lines.
Shehbaz Sharif stressed that there is a real need to modernize cricket stadiums. He expressed satisfaction that steps are being taken to rebuild the infrastructure of the Gaddafi Stadium on modern lines.
Shehbaz Sharif said the reformation of the cricket team is a significant achievement and only talent should be brought forward, rejecting any recommendations.
The prime minister emphasized that the team should be reformed and players should be selected on merit, directing the PCB chairman to lay more focus on the cricket team.
Speaking on the occasion, the PCB chairman said that the structure of domestic cricket in Pakistan was not bad. “However, we are making all possible efforts to make further improvements in it,” he said, and added, “And as part of our efforts, we will organize Champions Cup every year.”
He said that the PCB would organize the Champions Cup every year. “We are trying to make the tournament, which will be played in all three formats of the game, part of the Board’s constitution,” he said, adding, “All cricketers, who have signed a contract with the PCB, will be able to play in it.”
Naqvi informed the Board would identify and pick 150 best players for the national squad. “Hence, eight to 10 best players will be available for each position.”
He said that five teams, consisting of ex-cricketers, would be formed.
The PCB chairman said he was least concerned what others said about him.