PCB plans to build strong team for World Cup

Lahore, Feb 15: A plan to build a strong Pakistan team for the 2003 Cricket World Cup in South Africa has been envisaged and it will be unfolded in phases. A new pattern for the domestic cricket is ready but it will be made public after a PCB meeting on February 19 (Saturday), which will also be participated by nominees of associations of the country.

Lt.-Gen. Tauqir Zia told media men at a local hotel on Tuesday that the current stalwarts would be given a befitting farewell in due course of time after grooming their worthy replacements. That would facilitate finding a nucleus of the Pakistan team, which could deliver the goods in the World Cup. He said that his colleagues in the advisory council were being consulted on all-important issues.

Gen Tauqir said that Shoaib Akhtar was an asset of Pakistan cricket and the PCB fought to get the ICC ban on him removed but he was given an exemplary punishment simultaneously for misconduct because nobody was above the game. He said that Shahid Afridi was also an asset and with proper coaching he can be groomed into a consistent performer.

The PCB chairman said that nothing would be concealed from media men. "I do not believe in concealing facts and covering them under the carpet. In the past that policy gave an opportunity to some irresponsible persons in indulging in witch-hunting and Pakistani cricketers were accused of betting and match-fixing without providing evidence. Vested interest, particularly foreign media also played up things unnecessarily. However, I expect the Pakistani media men to play a more positive role in building Pakistan cricket and they must not print or put on air things after verifying the facts from concerned quarters", said Gen Tauqir in an emphatic tone.

He said that constructive criticism would always be welcomed. He had consulted all top-notchers but was looking forward to have a lengthy discussion with former Test stars Abdul Qadir and Majid Khan. He said that the PCB had a lot of funds and more were being generated to make infra-structure worthy of a "healthy cricketing nation". He said that 28 top players would be put in a hostel and the PCB would spend 6.6 million rupees annually to groom them into star performers.

The PCB ad hoc committee chairman said that during the next season, starting from September 2000, the game would be organised on a new pattern. Services of top physiotherapists, sports medicine specialists and trainers would also be acquired.