Misbahul Haq criticises changes in QeA Trophy schedule

PCB has decided to start this year’s domestic season earlier than usual

Former Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq has criticised Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)'s decision to start this year’s domestic season earlier than usual.

Misbah — who will be representing Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in the upcoming Quaid-e-Azam Trophy tournament — is of the opinion that early start of the domestic season will affect players’ performances while also increasing chances of injury.

“Decision to start the season early will affect performances of teams,” he said in a press conference at the LCCA ground in Lahore. “Hot weather and only one-day break in between matches will make it difficult for the players, especially at the beginning of the season, while this can also lead to injuries.”

Earlier the PCB had decided to revert to its old formula of holding four-day QeA Trophy matches followed by one-day cup matches — for every round.

The same venue will be used for both the formats. It must be noted that a similar structure was also used in 2014 but it was scrapped in 2015 season because it failed to deliver in accordance with the expectations.

The domestic season will start from September 1, unlike last year when it began on September 26.

Misbah had previously decided against participating in QeA Trophy but because of absence of many SNGPL players — due to international assignments — the right-handed batsman agreed to represent the side on team management’s request.

“I wanted to keep on playing cricket which is why I decided to accept SNGPL’s request,” he said. “Quite a few cricketers will be busy representing Pakistan at the international level which is why I decided to make a comeback.”

In the round one of QeA Tropy, SNGPL will face Lahore Region White in a four-day match from September 1-4 while they will face the same side, after a day’s rest, on September 6 in the National One-Day Tournament. Both matches will take place at the LCCA ground in Lahore.