New regions face Quaid Trophy snub

Inclusion could affect overall standard, says PCB official.

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) breathed new life into domestic cricket by forming new regions but those regions could have heartbreak in store for them as they are unlikely to feature at the first-class level just yet.

Fata, Nawabshah and Dera Murad Jamali face snubs after being severely criticised by experts, who stated that they do not deserve to play at the first-class level. Bahawalpur is the only team out of the four capable of competing. A well-placed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official confirmed that Fata and Dera Murad Jamali are unlikely to make the cut.

“I can’t see the likes of Fata and Dera Murad Jamali being part of first-class competition because there isn’t a place for them in the system right now and could be compensated in Grade-II event of regions if held,” the official told The Express Tribune before stressing that the inclusion of these teams might affect the standard of domestic cricket in Pakistan.

“Bahawalpur has produced international players in the past and has the best chance to play in the Quaid Trophy.”

Fata officials remain confident of participation

However, Fata officials are optimistic of their chances of featuring in the first-class tournament.

“We are in touch with the PCB and are hopeful that the promises will be fulfilled because our players deserve to have an independent team,” a Fata official told The Express Tribune before revealing that their sports minister has even formed a selection committee to start the process of short-listing players.

“A Few of our players had been playing for Peshawar and Abbottabad but it’s time we should be given the chance to show our hidden prowess.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2012.