Pakistan decide against hiring PR firm in England

Pakistan has decided against hiring a Public Relations firm in England to give out positive coverage of the national team during its series in England this summer. However, a unanimous decision was taken that the Pakistan chief Shahryar Khan and others on the PCB board would interact with the media.

A source close to the Pakistani management stated that there were enough people to ensure that the Pakistan side does not get a hostile media reception.  “Shaharyar himself is a former career diplomat and the board had also sent its GM media, Agha Akbar with the team for the Tests. They will along with manager Intikhab Alam be looking after the media affairs and issues to ensure the team does not get a hostile press or reception in the series,” the source said.

The source went on to add that whoever they contacted was busy with their own schedule. “There was a suggestion to hire a public relations firm in England to look after the interests of the Pakistan team and cricket on the two and half month long tour but this is a very expensive exercise for the PCB which is already struggling financially so the idea has been dropped,” the source said.

The source said Shaharyar would remain in England until July as he had gone to London for his annual vacations. “He will be in touch with the team management and media manager to ensure nothing goes wrong.”

Also read – Inzamam-ul-Haq to travel to England with Pakistan team

Finally, speaking about Mohammad Amir, the source said that the 23-year old pacer had indeed been dealt with. “Aamir was also given a dressing down for his recent media statements and appearance in a television show and cautioned not to go against any directives given to him by the board or team officials,” the source added.