PCB ponders change in domestic cricket format
Departments could be asked to sponsor regional teams.
Rawalpindi Rams in actions against the FATA Cheetas on Saturday. PHOTO: APP/FILE
KARACHI:
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has started studying the possibility of implementing a new format for the next domestic season.
The last first-class season had two tournaments: President’s Trophy which was contested by departments while regional teams featured in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The final of the President’s Trophy is yet to be played.
Both events were held simultaneously and unlike the past, the regional teams did not have departmental players in their ranks.
The National Selection Committee feels that even the top performers of regional tournaments will struggle against high standards of departmental cricket and hence the players who performed in the premier first-class event are more likely to earn spots in the national squad.
Interestingly, the board has introduced several formats over the last two decades – but none lasted long.
Now, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is mulling over a new formula, according to which departments are likely to be asked to sponsor regional teams, The Express Tribune has learnt. The Board feels that this formula will improve the game’s standards, bring more money for players besides ensuring genuine selections.
“Yes there have been deliberations going on to formulate a new format for the next domestic season,” a PCB official confirmed. “The idea of departments sponsoring regional teams has been floated among top PCB officials – and a change in the format is also very much on the cards.”
Departments not keen on format tweak
Meanwhile, it has been learnt that the departments do not favour this move unless they are given a say in the selection of teams.
According to an official, if they are asked to sponsor the regional units then they must be given the authority to select players, playing for the regional teams.
Over the years, two former skippers Imran Khan and Javed Miandad have promoted contradicting views on domestic cricket. Khan has been a supporter of regional cricket whereas Miandad has been in favour of departmental teams.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 23rd, 2014.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has started studying the possibility of implementing a new format for the next domestic season.
The last first-class season had two tournaments: President’s Trophy which was contested by departments while regional teams featured in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The final of the President’s Trophy is yet to be played.
Both events were held simultaneously and unlike the past, the regional teams did not have departmental players in their ranks.
The National Selection Committee feels that even the top performers of regional tournaments will struggle against high standards of departmental cricket and hence the players who performed in the premier first-class event are more likely to earn spots in the national squad.
Interestingly, the board has introduced several formats over the last two decades – but none lasted long.
Now, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is mulling over a new formula, according to which departments are likely to be asked to sponsor regional teams, The Express Tribune has learnt. The Board feels that this formula will improve the game’s standards, bring more money for players besides ensuring genuine selections.
“Yes there have been deliberations going on to formulate a new format for the next domestic season,” a PCB official confirmed. “The idea of departments sponsoring regional teams has been floated among top PCB officials – and a change in the format is also very much on the cards.”
Departments not keen on format tweak
Meanwhile, it has been learnt that the departments do not favour this move unless they are given a say in the selection of teams.
According to an official, if they are asked to sponsor the regional units then they must be given the authority to select players, playing for the regional teams.
Over the years, two former skippers Imran Khan and Javed Miandad have promoted contradicting views on domestic cricket. Khan has been a supporter of regional cricket whereas Miandad has been in favour of departmental teams.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 23rd, 2014.