PTT calls for independent selection committee

Task team urges resumption of Pakistan-India ties.

LAHORE:

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Pakistan Task Team (PTT) has dug into the entire cricket structure of the country, with an extensive report on cricket, governance, financial, administrative and communication issues that need to be reformed.

The ICC’s task team, however, acknowledged that Pakistan being a member of the world governing body since 1953, has consistently contributed to the vibrancy and growth of international cricket.

However its report, a copy of which The Express Tribune received, listed 63 recommendations that it believes will strengthen the functioning of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in the country.

The report has called for the removal of the veto right that the PCB chairman has on the decisions made by the selection committee insisting that it “should be granted sole responsibility and be held accountable for all selection issues and no outside interference should be allowed” and that selection panel decisions should be announced via media conferences.

The report further urged Pakistan and India to resume bilateral tours stressing that the ICC should continue to facilitate ongoing discussions.

The report recommends that the PCB should develop a longer-term strategic plan by providing for free elections to its governing board.

The PTT also states that the quality of the balls being used in domestic cricket is of inferior quality and that the PCB should prioritise the use of international-standard balls.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 7^th, 2011.