PCB chief, officials mull strategy amid dismal team performance

ISLAMABAD: In an important meeting late Saturday evening at the PCB headquarters in Lahore, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi convened mentors and key officials to strategize for the future following a dismal run in Test cricket, with the team losing six consecutive Tests.

Sources reveal that selectors, coaches and senior members joined via video link from Multan, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. With just two days left before the second Test against England, the squad remains unannounced as discussions continue on the optimal team composition.

Pakistan has made history in Test cricket, becoming the first team to lose by an innings after scoring over 500 runs in their first innings. This alarming trend has left the PCB in a difficult position, prompting serious reflection on their next steps. The loss to England marks the sixth consecutive defeat for Pakistan, a stark contrast to their previous status as the No 1 team, now unable to secure a single home victory in the last two years.

During the meeting, discussions centered on team selection, potential changes for the second Test, and the leadership status of Shan Masood. Head coach Jason Gillespie contributed insights via video link, alongside other mentors, on strategies to avoid yet another whitewash. Pakistan recently faced back-to-back clean sweeps against Australia in an away series and then against Bangladesh at home. As the meeting extended into the late hours, several proposals were discussed to ensure the team presents a competitive front rather than submitting to further defeats.

The new selection com­m­­ittee is expected to anno­­unce the squad for the second Test on Sunday morning. The Test match is set to commence on October 15 at the Multan Stadium, the same venue that hosted the first Test.