PCB's brainstorming sesssion held for preparing for series in India

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board think-tank minus PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf, who is out of country, had a brainstorming session in Lahore on Tuesday ahead of the national team’s departure to India for an important series.

Captain Shoaib Malik and leading paceman Mohammad Asif also participated in the session that was aimed at preparing the players for the tough series. PCB’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Shafqat Naghmi, chief selector Salauddin Ahmed, Director Cricket Operations Zakir Khan and coach Geoff Lawson were present.

The Board officials were upset at the way some of the senior players batted in the last one-dayer against South Africa. The players who participated in the session could not explain how the national team lost from a seemingly winning position.

“All the plus and minuses of the series were discuss in the session that was aimed at digging out the realities as to what happened and what should be the course of action for the coming series,”

a PCB official told The News from Lahore.

At the meeting, the idea of making some changes in the team was also discussed.

“Though the selectors have already announced the one-day squad, some of officials were of the opinion that the changes could be made even at this stage.”

Performance Evaluation Committee meeting

Statement issued by Mr Ijaz Butt, Chairman of the Performance Evaluation Committee:

President of Peshawar Wisal Muhammad Drrani, President of Abbottabad Region Aamir Nawab and President Swabi District Cricket Association Muttiullah appeared before the Performance Evaluation Committee (PEC) constituted by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) at Servis House on Monday.

Ijaz Butt, chairman of the Committee and member of the Committee former Test cricketer Salahuddin Ahmad were present.

During their 90-minute long interview the district cricket associations’ representatives provided in depth knowledge of the problems faced by the regional associations in terms of selecting their teams and the performances of their coaches.

The Committee regretted that despite of his commitment, the LCCA President Aamir Hayar Khan Rokhari failed to be available. As president of one of the biggest cricket associations in Pakistan, Rokhari's presence could have benefited the Committee to know the exact nature of relationship between the Board and its affiliated units.

The Committee has completed its findings and will submit its report to the PCB Chairman Dr. Nasim Ashraf after his return from abroad.