PCB governing board suggests England-style pitches

LAHORE: The Pakistan cricket governing board on Saturday gave PCB fresh targets, directing it to immediately initiate new projects and introduce England-style pitches in domestic cricket to produce quality players.

Talking to media after the 41st PCB Governing Board Meeting at National Cricket Academy, PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said that the board has been advised to have England-style wickets to help players adapt early to foreign conditions. The governing board took some important decisions pertaining to the development of the game besides reviewing performance of committees.

“After a lengthy debate, the BoG advised the PCB to give terms of reference with reasonable targets to coaches, players, trainers, dieticians and whoever is attached with the team,” Shaharyar said.

He added that the BoG were briefed about progresss on the short term and long term plans that were made after the Asia Cup and World T20. On the issue of team’s bowling coach, Shaharyar said that Azhar Mehmood is ready to assist Mickey Arthur as bowling coach but nothing has been finalised as yet.

The PCB chairman said that a PSL-style regional setup was also discussed during the meeting to boost domestic cricket.

“For one-dayers, eight regions and as many departments will play seperately, while T20s will only be played by the regions. There will be no change for the four-day matches,” he said.

Shaharyar said that Pakistan wants a more ‘democratic’ International Cricket Council (ICC).

“In the ICC meeting in England, I will try to make it clear that Pakistan wants an end to Big-Three’s hegemony,” he added.