PCB Chairman Naqvi stresses need for robust domestic cricket structure

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday there was a need to provide more opportunities to domestic cricketers to play the game and at the same time earn their livelihoods, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

He made these comments while chairing a meeting on the improvement of domestic cricket structure in Pakistan.

On the occasion, Naqvi, who is also the country’s interior minister, said he wanted the professional cricketers to keep playing the sport throughout the year so that they could further hone their skills and serve the national team whenever required. “A robust and competitive domestic cricket structure will help cricketers polish their talent,” he said, adding that it was his desire that more tournaments of T-20, one-day internationals and four-day formats of the game be organized during the 2024-25 domestic cricket calendar.

The next domestic cricket season in the country is set to get underway in September, 2023.

Later, while chairing the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Governing Council meeting, the PCB chairman assured the owners of franchises his complete support. “I want all of you to grow and prosper,” he said to them, adding, “I will support you in the accomplishment of your goals.”

Speaking on the occasion, the owners of franchises described the HBL PSL as a jewel in the crown of cricket in Pakistan. We, in collaboration with the PCB, wanted to develop the event further, they said.

The meeting also discussed the proposal to increase the number of teams in the 2026 edition of the PSL from six to eight.

 Reporter: Waseem Ahmad