Asking Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Naqvi to fully concentrate on cricket, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday asked him not to accept even his recommendation for the inclusion of a player in the national team if he deemed it to be against the merit. Addressing the ceremony held to mark the start of reconstruction of the Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore, the prime minister said if Naqvi succeeded in doing so, it would be a great achievement. He felicitated the PCB chairman on the completion of the project, saying there was a need to build cricket stadiums on modern lines. Speaking on the occasion, the PCB chairman said that the structure of domestic cricket in Pakistan was not bad.

“However, we are making all possible efforts to make further improvements in it,” he said, and added, “And as part of our efforts, we will organize Champions Cup every year.” He said that the PCB would organize the Champions Cup every year. “We are trying to make the tournament, which will be played in all three formats of the game, part of the Board’s constitution,” he said, adding, “All cricketers, who have signed a contract with the PCB, will be able to play in it.” Naqvi informed the Board would identify and pick 150 best players for the national squad. “Hence, eight to 10 best players will be available for each position.”  He said that five teams, consisting of ex-cricketers, would be formed. The PCB chairman said he was least concerned what others said about him.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan