PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi announces major changes to Pakistan's domestic cricket structure

NEW DELHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed critics on Monday, emphasizing his focus on delivering results and dismissing concerns about his cricket knowledge.

Naqvi, along with PCB's chief operating officer Salman Naseer and former cricket star Waqar Younis, outlined plans to improve the domestic cricket structure and form an advisory board led by Younis.

Naqvi, a businessman-turned-politician and current federal minister for interior, faced a direct question from a journalist about his understanding of cricket. His response was pointed and confident.

"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 asserted at a media conference.

He shared plans to establish a six-member advisory board headed by Waqar Younis to revamp the cricket system, aiming to eliminate biases based on personal preferences.


"I am bringing in former stars to vet and improve the cricket system and end this culture of personal likes and dislikes," Naqvi was quoted as saying by PTI.

Naqvi also introduced an overhauled domestic structure embedded in the constitution to ensure stability. This structure, launching next month, includes five teams with 30 players each. These teams will compete in first-class, 50-over, and T20 tournaments, under the supervision of respected former players.

Each team leader will serve a three-year tenure with a 10-member support staff, including coaches. Naqvi highlighted the participation requirement for contracted players in these events when available. The team leaders will be part of the cricket advisory board under Waqar Younis, overseeing all cricket issues.



Waqar Younis voiced his support for the proposed system and its potential to bolster domestic cricket.

"We will appoint five legends to head the teams, and I am already in touch with some of them," said the former Pakistan fast bowler.

He emphasized the ultimate goal of achieving better performances by the Pakistan team on the international stage.

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

The PCB announced a comprehensive schedule for the men's senior events in the upcoming season, running from September 2024 to August 2025. This includes 261 matches across all formats: 131 first-class games, 40 50-over matches, and 90 T20 fixtures.

Naqvi's responses and plans indicate a clear strategy to strengthen Pakistan's cricket framework, aiming for long-term success and stability.