(Source X)
Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), convened with the head coaches of the national team this week to strategize the team’s future path. The meeting followed closely on the heels of Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Led by Babar Azam, Pakistan faced early elimination after a lackluster showing in the group stage, marked by losses to USA and India before salvaging some pride with victories in their remaining matches.
This setback in the T20 World Cup adds to Pakistan’s recent string of poor results, including an early exit in the previous ODI World Cup and challenging tours in Australia and New Zealand across formats. The reinstatement of Babar Azam as T20I captain failed to reverse the team’s fortunes, as evidenced by mixed results against New Zealand and a disappointing series in England preceding the T20 World Cup debacle.
Following the tournament’s conclusion, Mohsin Naqvi had tasked white-ball coach Gary Kirsten and selector Wahab Riaz with submitting comprehensive reports. These reports, it is understood, address critical areas such as player fitness, discipline, game awareness, and other pertinent aspects crucial for Pakistan’s cricketing future.
Mohsin Naqvi met Pakistan coaches:
Mohsin Naqvi recently convened in Lahore with Gary Kirsten, Jason Gillespie (the Test team coach), and Azhar Mahmood (the assistant coach) to deliberate on the findings of their reports. The PCB shared insights from this meeting on social media on Tuesday (July 9) via a video where Naqvi engaged in discussions with Kirsten, Gillespie, and Mahmood.
According to the PCB’s update, the chairman and coaches focused on various aspects crucial to the team’s performance, including coaching strategies, batting techniques, bowling plans, player fitness, and other significant factors. A pivotal outcome of their deliberations was the decision to devise a comprehensive improvement plan specifically targeting batting, bowling, and fielding skills.
In addition, it was agreed upon that fitness standards would be a non-negotiable criterion for player selection moving forward. Naqvi also emphasized granting the coaches autonomy in managing and mentoring the players effectively, underscoring a hands-on approach to nurturing talent within the team.
“Discussion on coaching issues of Pakistani players. Decision to formulate comprehensive plan to improve bowling and fielding. A player’s inclusion in the team will be subject to fitness. There is no shortage of talent in the Pakistani team. Lack of good combination. Agree on meeting,” stated the PCB.