Pakistan players irked by Ramazan ban

PCB barring World Twenty20 probables from appearing in local events.


Our Correspondent July 27, 2012

KARACHI:


The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) policy of not allowing 2013 World Twenty20 probables to play in Ramazan tournaments is irritating players who want match practice under their belt before future international events.


The PCB has barred the probables to feature in Ramazan T20 tournaments, stating that permission will be given after the One-Day International (ODI) squad is announced for the Australia series in the UAE.

However, several players have urged the PCB to let them have valuable match practice instead of training alone.

“Playing matches and being on the field is very different than training on your own or in the nets,” a senior member of the Pakistan squad told The Express Tribune.

“Matches bring the best out of a player and we need this practice before future tours.”

Several national team players have said that the televised tournaments will also increase their chances of making a strong impression on the selectors and help them make the cut.

“The ODI squad against Australia is yet to be announced so if any player performs outstandingly, he will definitely leave an impact on the selectors,” said another player.

Ramazan T20 tournaments also allow Pakistan internationals to earn substantial amounts of money as they are given match fees and a monthly salary from clubs and departments to play as a guest player.

The organisers have shown their frustration as well as the shine on their tournaments has been taken off.

PCB to give permission after ODI selection

Meanwhile, a senior PCB official said that it is likely that the board will allow some players to play in these tournaments once the ODI squad against Australia is to be announced in few days.

“Those who don’t make the cut for the ODI series will be given the permission to play in Ramazan tournaments,” said the official. “But those who are part of the ODI and Twenty20 squads will not be allowed to appear in these events.

“These players can pick up an injury and we can’t afford that ahead of major assignments.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 28th, 2012.

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