Zaka Ashraf, blames the previous committee for the players’ weariness and poor performance. Pakistan had a dismal Asia Cup 2023 campaign and will look to make apologies in the ODI World Cup, which begins next month.
Pakistan is ranked first in the ICC One-Day International (ODI) team rankings, led by Babar Azam. They were consider one of the favorites for the Asia Cup 2023. However, their campaign ended in a sour note when they lost consecutive matches against archrivals India and co-hosts Pakistan in the Super Four round, finishing in last place.
On Thursday, September 21, PCB president Zaka Ashraf convened a meeting to examine the ‘Men in Green’s’ lackluster performance in the coveted competition. Pakistan captain Babar Azam and vice captain Shadab Khan also attended the meeting. As did members of Mickey Arthur’s coaching team. The meeting also attend by head coach Grant Bradburn, batting coach Andrew Puttick. Bowling coach Morne Morkel to discuss the team’s performance. Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez, both former Pakistan captains, were also present.
After the meeting, the PCB released a statement where Ashraf blame the previous board management for allowing Pakistan players to play in franchise leagues and causing them to get fatigue ahead of their national commitments.
“The philosophy behind this review was to create an atmosphere of open discussion and develop consensus. The idea is to have everyone on board and debate about performances, identifying the problems and their solutions. We have to debate strengths and weaknesses so that we are clear about what and where we need to invest for the betterment of our team. ” Ashraf said in the statement.
The PCB issue a statement following the meeting
Ashraf chastised the previous board management for letting Pakistan players to play in franchise competitions. Causing them to become exhausted ahead of their national responsibilities.
“The goal of this review was to foster an atmosphere of open discussion and consensus. ” The plan is to get everyone on board and discuss performance, identifying problems and solutions. “We need to debate our team’s strengths and weaknesses so that we know where and how we need to invest for the betterment of our team,” Ashraf added in the statement.
“Discussion revealed that the previous management had allowed many players to play league cricket. Causing them to become fatigued ahead of their national duty. ” But, going forward, we’ve agree to take a proactive approach to reducing player burden and prioritizing national duty. ” The 71-year-old stated.
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Pakistan World Cup squad to be announced tomorrow
Pakistan is one of the few countries that has yet to reveal their roster for the 2018 ODIs World Cup in India. According to the announcement, top selector Inzamam-ul-Haq met with Ashraf on Thursday afternoon. The former Pakistan captain hone down on the 15 players who will compete for a second 50-over World Cup title.
The team is expected to be announced at a press conference on Friday, September 22, at the Gaddafi Stadium’s Far-End structure.
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