Action against players for violating discipline to no grouping in team: PCB chairman gives warning to Pakistan players months ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

SportsTak Desk

UPDATED:Jul 15, 2024 15:28 IST

Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam celebrate a wicket (File Photo: Getty Images)

Highlights:

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has given a free hand to head coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie.

Naqvi wants players to prove their fitness every three months.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi in a statement warned players over disciplinary issues and called for strict action against those who get involved in groupism in the team. The statement came after a meeting with stakeholders, including white ball head coach Gary Kirsten and Test team's head coach Jason Gillespie. In a three-hour-long meeting at National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, suggestions to improve grassroots level cricket was also discussed.

Naqvi addressed the recent reports of rift and misconduct in the Pakistan team after their dismal outing in T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies. There are reports claiming skipper Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Afridi were not on the same page.

"There will be no compromise on discipline. There will be a zero-tolerance policy against players who violate discipline. There should be unity and consensus within the team. Grouping players will not be tolerated. Management should take strict action on grouping. Disciplinary players will not have a place in the team. Do not accept my recommendation about any player for breach of discipline," the PCB statement quoted Mohsin Naqvi as saying.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi chaired an important meeting with the Pakistan men's coaching staff, members of the men's selection committee, and senior PCB officials at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. pic.twitter.com/gLASRU1Mr0
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 15, 2024

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In addition, the board has made it mandatory for players to prove their fitness once in three months. Also, it was also indicated that players who are fit and follow the domestic cricket policies will get No-Objection Certificates to play in franchise T20 leagues.

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Kirsten, Gillespie get free hand

Days after the sacking of Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from selection committee, Naqvi said that Kirsten and Gillespie will be given a free hand.

"Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie are fully empowered. I have full confidence in them. Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie have been given a free hand. Hope both will give the best results," the PCB Chief said.

While Shan Masood will captain the Test side in the two-Test series against Bangladesh at home, it is not clear whether Babar will retain the leadership role in limited-overs months ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

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