LAHORE:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) implemented several crucial reforms on Monday aimed at bolstering the country’s cricket structure and improving the national team’s performance.

The decisions, made during a meeting at the National Cricket Academy in Gaddafi Stadium and chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, include a yearly review of player central contracts, the inclusion of head coaches in the Men’s selection committee, and mandatory participation in domestic cricket for national team selection and grant of No Objection Certificate (NOC) for foreign leagues through technical method.

Among the significant changes, the PCB announced that head coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie will now be part of the Men’s selection committee. They have also been tasked with presenting a report on establishing new High-Performance Centres in Islamabad and Peshawar.

The meeting emphasised a zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline and infighting within the team. Other decisions included upgrading the High-Performance Centre, setting up new centres in Peshawar and Islamabad, appointing separate coaches for the U-19 and Shaheens teams, conducting new domestic tournaments, and enhancing women’s cricket development.

The PCB decided not to revise players’ central contracts despite the early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. However, categories will be reviewed based on yearly performance and fitness evaluations. A new technical method for issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for foreign leagues will be established.

Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed full confidence in the head coaches, granting them complete autonomy and expecting excellent results. The PCB also mandated quarterly fitness tests for players and compulsory participation in domestic cricket for national team selection.