PCB emulates BCCI after suffering a humiliating series loss against Kiwis

After being able to get their hands on the Champions Trophy, Pakistan cricket has struggled in both the Test, as well as in limited-overs cricket. Having lost to Sri Lanka in Test series at their adopted home, UAE and suffered a humiliating whitewash against Kiwis, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally realised that they need to take some crucial decisions to improve the standards.

Emulating the Indian structure, PCB has decided to curb down the participation of Pakistan players in leagues across the world. Stating that priority must be given to preparations for important tours. Former Pakistan all-rounder and current bowling coach of the national team Azhar Mahmood has applauded the PCB’s decision and believes that it will make a paradigm shift in favour of Pakistan cricket. He also said that the service to the country takes precedence over all other considerations.

Curb down the participation

In a column for Pakpassion.net, Mahmood went on write, “We have had some discussions on this topic with the team management, the PCB, as well as Inzamam-ul-Haq to ensure that in the future, we will hold off from giving permission to the players to play in every other league.

“Priority in such cases must be given to the right type of preparation for any upcoming Pakistan tours as service to our country takes precedence over all other considerations. Of course, we do not want the players to suffer financially by missing out from playing in foreign leagues but that must not happen at the expense of loss of their fitness when it comes to Pakistan games,” he added.

Bowlers found it difficult

Reflecting on the recently concluded New Zealand tour, Mahmood expressed his disappointment and also said that bowlers found it difficult because they toured of the first time. He said, “It goes without saying that a 5-0 defeat is a disappointment regardless of whichever format it happens in or who the opposition is. Whilst we lost 6 matches in a row, I was really impressed by the way we fought back in the T20I series.”

“The victory in the T20I series shows the character and mindset of our side which is a huge positive and a very encouraging sign for us. Having said that, it is also important that we must recognize that our batting has always struggled in New Zealand. Our bowlers, some of who were touring New Zealand for the first time, found it tough to adjust to the bowling conditions there. Strong winds were a problem for our bowlers, but I would still give them immense credit for making an effort to adjust to local conditions there,” he concluded.