'I am bringing in former stars to end this culture of personal likes and dislikes': PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi gives major responsibility to this former cricketer

Former Pakistan cricketers Waqar Younis and Mushtaq Ahmed (Getty Images)
Former Pakistan cricketers Waqar Younis and Mushtaq Ahmed (Getty Images)

Highlights:

Mohsin Naqvi hit back at the journalist who questioned his knowledge about cricket.

Naqvi has introduced a new domestic setup for Pakistan cricket.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi had a stern reply to a journalist who asked him about his knowledge about the sport. The businessman-turned-politician lost his cool and assured that he will deliver. 
 

"Time will tell how much I know about cricket but we are here to deliver. I don't care about what people say but you will see the results," Naqvi said in a press conference in Lahore as quoted by PTI. 
 

Naqvi announced that Waqar Younis will head a six-member advisory board which will be announced soon. The advisory board will aim at end the alleged culture of favouritism in the team and selection committee.
 

"I am bringing in former stars to vet and improve the cricket system and end this culture of personal likes and dislikes," he added.
 

Improved domestic cricket system with 5 new teams

Apart from Naqvi, PCB CEO Salman Nasser and Waqar were in attendance too. Naqvi announced a new domestic structure. Five teams including 30 players each will participate in the Champions tournaments including first-class, One-Day and T20s. A total of 261 matches will be played including 131 first-class, 50 One-Day and 90 T20 games. The new schedule is for September to August 2025 cycle.
 

"Each team will be supervised by a reputable former stalwart and he will be given three years to manage and get results. Each team will have a support staff of some 10 people including coaches," revealed the 45-year-old.

 

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Five former players yet to be revealed

He also made it clear that the centrally contracted players will have to participate in these tournaments. He is yet to name five former cricketers who will run these teams. Waqar is impressed with the new system aimed to strengthen domestic cricket.
 

"We will appoint five legends to head the teams and I am already in touch with some of them," said the 52-year-old who has 373 Test and 416 ODI wickets.

 

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The 52-year-old also said that a good domestic circuit will ensure better performances on the international stage. 
 

"Cricket remains our product and we have to play good cricket to maintain our brand. All rest comes later," he concluded.
 

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