LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asked the players to prioritize red-ball cricket and national duties by representing Pakistan instead of participating in global leagues.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Tuesday, Pakistan Cricket Team Director Mohammad Hafeez said that players should give precedence to playing for Pakistan and engaging in domestic cricket over international leagues.
Hafeez’s remarks come in response to recent instances where all-rounder Imad Wasim opted out of the Pakistan Cup and the ongoing National T20 to participate in the Abu Dhabi T10 league. Similarly, pacer Haris Rauf, who declined to join the national team for the Australia Test tour, was denied a NOC and encouraged to participate in the domestic tournament rather than the Big Bash League (BBL).
Hafeez stressed the importance of red-ball cricket and the need to instill its significance in players. He mentioned that certain measures would be taken to safeguard Pakistan cricket.
“We need to prioritize representing Pakistan. We also need to bring playing domestic cricket in Pakistan to the top of our priorities. Red-ball cricket is the most important cricket, but we’re seeing many players in Pakistan are moving away from or do not want to play red-ball cricket,” said Hafeez.
To redirect the focus, Hafeez mentioned that measures would be taken, even if some perceive them as stringent, emphasizing the importance of saving Pakistan cricket.
He highlighted the significance of red-ball cricket in polishing players’ basics and outlined the strategy to promote players who engage in red-ball cricket. Hafeez mentioned the need to bring back those who have deviated from this path to improve their game.
PCB to Public NOC Policy Soon
Hafeez disclosed that the PCB would soon make the NOC policy public while considering players’ workloads. The NOC policy will align with Pakistan’s priorities, keeping in mind the availability of players for national duties when offered central contracts.
“We have the T20 World Cup in mind going forward, and the NOC policy will keep Pakistan’s priorities in mind. If we want fit players, we need to manage workloads,” he added.
Hafeez also praised Babar Azam for his significant contributions to Pakistan cricket, expressing confidence that relinquishing the captaincy would relieve pressure, allowing Babar to enhance his performance and contribute further to Pakistan’s success.
