(IANS Photo)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched “Operation Clean Up” aimed at reorganizing the national cricket team. Following the T20 World Cup 2024, the PCB plans to remove six players from the squad. However, some Pakistani players express discontent with recent statements made by PCB officials.
Under the leadership of Babar Azam, the team had a disappointing start to their World Cup journey. They suffered a defeat to the United States of America (USA) in the opening match of the ICC tournament. Despite setting a target of 159 runs, the Pakistan team failed to defend it and lost in the Super Over.
Their woes continued as they faced defeat against their rivals, India, in the subsequent match. Failing to chase down a modest target of 120 runs, Pakistan endured their second consecutive loss in the tournament. Former cricketers criticized Babar Azam and his teammates for their lackluster performances on the global stage.
However, they managed to clinch their first victory by defeating Canada in New York on Tuesday, June 11th. The Pakistan team successfully chased down a target of 107 runs with seven wickets and 15 balls to spare. With this win, the Pakistan cricket team ascended to the third position in Group A, securing two points and boasting a net run rate (NRR) of +0.191.
Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, accompanied by fellow board officials, associates, and numerous ex-cricketers, has launched an extensive initiative labeled “Operation Clean Up” targeted at restructuring the national cricket team. They have collectively decided to oust players involved in internal politics and those failing to meet performance standards.
As per a report from CricketPakistan.com, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised to drop at least six players following the culmination of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup endeavors. The report indicates that despite subpar performances, a select few players have managed to retain their positions possibly due to their amiable rapport with team captain, Babar Azam.
Questions have arisen regarding Babar Azam’s leadership capabilities amidst criticisms concerning his decision-making throughout the ongoing ICC tournament. Notably, several prominent cricketers, including Babar himself, share the same agency for representation. Former Chairman Zaka Ashraf’s efforts to diminish the influence of such agents ultimately led to his resignation from the position.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is set to address the public in an upcoming press conference, although the extent of his remarks remains uncertain. Reports suggest that he will deliver his speech without directly mentioning individual players. Within the PCB, there’s a noticeable rise in factionalism, prompting discussions on disbanding these groups and anticipating alterations across various departments.
Chairman Naqvi aims to collaborate with former cricketers to formulate strategies aimed at elevating the performance of the Pakistan national cricket team. However, recent statements from PCB officials have stirred discontent among Pakistani players, who feel these issues could have been addressed after the conclusion of the ongoing World Cup.
