The PCB is considering a major turnaround after exiting the T20 World Cup

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering sweeping changes to its cricket management structure in response to the national team’s dismal performance in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.

For the first time in history, Pakistan crashed out of the group stage with a shock defeat to the USA and missing out on a playoff spot against India. This poor performance has drawn widespread criticism from fans, media and former players, who have criticized both players and officials.

Stunned by the team’s dismal performance, the PCB is now considering drastic measures to improve future results. A major overhaul is on the cards, with at least six players from the current squad expected to be withdrawn for the next series. Key players will be rested for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, which is seen as an opportunity for a comprehensive overhaul and reset.

The nine-member selection committee, which includes notables like Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Yousuf, Wahab Riaz, captain Babar Azam and head coach Gary Kirsten, has faced tough scrutiny. Officials see the grand committee structure as a failure and are considering dismantling it in favor of a smaller, more effective committee. Today’s pickers may soon find themselves out of a job.

Babar Azam’s role as captain in the white-ball format is also under threat, with talk suggesting Mohammad Rizwan as a possible successor. Shan Masood will continue to lead the Test side. No final decision has been made yet.

Apart from the leadership changes, the PCB plans to revise the criteria for central contracts, linking them more closely to eligibility and performance. The move is aimed at prioritizing performance over reputation, which could see even star cricketers demoted to lower contract tiers if they fail. Young players who excel will have the opportunity to step up to the top flight. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi intends to resist player pressure which has affected contract negotiations in the past.

The PCB is also reviewing the financial benefits offered to players, with plans to limit the number of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for participation in the league to two per player. This aims to ensure availability of players for national duties and improve the quality of domestic cricket.

President Naqvi and his colleagues will continue to discuss these potential changes during the Eid holidays. Several crucial decisions are expected after Eid, including a meeting with Babar Azam to analyze the reasons behind the World Cup failure.

With stricter fitness criteria, the PCB intends to bar unfit players from rejoining the squad, signaling a shift towards a more disciplined and performance-driven approach to squad selection and management.