Former captains disagree over domestic structure

LAHORE: In a significant development for Pakistan cricket, Misbah-ul-Haq, the head of the cricket committee in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), led a highly anticipated meeting at the PCB headquarters.

The meeting, held to plan the upcoming domestic cricket season, was attended by prominent cricket figures, including former captains Rashid Latif and Mohammad Hafeez, the board's COO Salman Naseer, and Junaid Zia, the director of domestic cricket.

The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss and finalize the structure of the forthcoming domestic season, ensuring it aligns with the 2014 constitution.

However, as discussions unfolded, differences emerged among the three former captains regarding the inclusion of regional teams and the type of cricket balls to be used.

According to reports, Misbah advocated for the inclusion of eight regions in the upcoming domestic season. In contrast, both Mohammad Hafeez and Rashid Latif expressed differing opinions.

Hafeez proposed a leaner approach, suggesting that only six regions should participate, while Rashid argued passionately for a larger number of teams, proposing the inclusion of 16 regions in First-Class cricket.

He also emphasised the significance of the Sialkot region's participation in the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

The meeting's discussions took another turn when the selection of cricket balls for the domestic season came into focus. All three former cricketers expressed reservations about using Duke balls and voiced their preference for Kookaburra balls in domestic cricket.

However, Junaid Zia informed the attendees that Duke balls had already been purchased and were non-returnable since they were custom-made to order.

The upcoming domestic cricket season, scheduled to commence on September 1, promises to be an exciting spectacle for cricket enthusiasts across the nation.

The highly anticipated Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will mark the season's opening, followed closely by the Pakistan Cup one-day tournament on September 6. Initially, the season is set to feature eight regions and an equal number of departments vying for cricketing glory.

As the meeting concluded, Misbah expressed his optimism about the upcoming season and the potential it holds to nurture emerging talent and strengthen Pakistan's cricketing prowess.

With the decisions taken during this crucial meeting, the stage is now set for an action-packed and thrilling domestic cricket season that promises to captivate cricket fans nationwide.