Senators Mushahid and Faisal Javed in heated debate: Senate body concerned over cricket structure

ISLAMABAD: Senate Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) expressed concern on the proposed domestic cricket structure, with majority of senators calling for thorough debate among stakeholders before its implementation.

The meeting chaired by Senator Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan Nasar witnessed heated debate between Senator Mushahid Ullah Khan (PML-N) and Senator Faisal Javed (PTI). Mushahid Ullah Khan was critical on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to give new shape to domestic first class cricket.

“There seems no sense in reducing teams strength to six at a time when we see more than ten counties playing top class cricket in England and a good number of states playing first class cricket in India. There is no wisdom in following the Australian domestic structure,” Senator Mushahid said.

The senator from Muslim League (N) also opposed PCB plans to shelve departmental cricket all of a sudden. “It would have been a better option to consult all stakeholders before reaching to a consensus first class system. Departments played a big role in domestic cricket and their contribution should have been recognized.”

Senator Mushahid Ullah feared that such a hasty approach on the part of the PCB could backfire. “Fears are there that such a decision of hasty revolution would backfire, crippling the system at the end.”

Senator Faisal Javed supported the proposed changes in the Pakistan domestic cricket structure, saying there could not be a better judge than Prime Minister Imran Khan.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan knows well when it comes to organizing or playing first class cricket. Those who are opposing these new changes are actually doing that in Imran Khan’s opposition and enmity. Changes are proposed for the betterment of Pakistan cricket.”

Both senators then were seen exchanging heated words. “If Imran knows about cricket so well, he better assumes the charge of PCB chairman instead of pursuing politics,” Senator Mushahid Ullah opined.

Senator Faisal Javed blamed previous government of destroying state owned enterprises. “Steel Mills, PIA, Railways are only a few. It is wrong to bring in politics in sports as efforts are being made to streamline cricket affairs in the country.”

Haroon Rashid, Director Domestic Cricket Operation admitted that things were not all that rosy in Pakistan cricket. “Results have not been coming up at junior and senior levels. That is why we have planned revolutionary changes. Our old system is not delivering. Allow the new system to work and you would see results,” he said.

In between, Senator Lt Gen (rtd) Salauddin Tirmizi left the meeting when the debate between opposing party senators got even hotter.

The Committee expressed its dismay over the absence of PCB chairman Ehsan Mani and Managing Director Waseem Khan absence from the meeting. “The two must ensure their presence in the next meeting to answer some important question,” senators observed.

Haroon Rashid said that both were in Singapore in connection with the ACC meeting.”Senator Seemee Ezdi, also submitted Senate subcommittee report on deplorable plight of the game of hockey in the country.

The committee that was headed by Senator Waleed Iqbal was given the mandate to look into the reasons of hockey downfall and to suggest remedial measures to improve the game at domestic and international level.