Players lack grit, no need to push panic button: PCB chief
FACT REPORT

The Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Shaharyar M. Khan said that there was no need to push the panic button despite team's poor showing on the current Australian tour where they have lost the second Test and the series 0-2.

"We are disappointed with the performance of the team, which was not up to the mark, but there are clear signs of fighting spirit in Melbourne," he told reporters at a news conference after a meeting of Advisory Panel of PCB at National Stadium here.

"Captain, coach and players got full support of PCB," board chairman maintained. "I think players lacked crisis management and the grit," he said. Pakistan lost the first Test against Australia at Perth by enormous 491-runs and were bowled out for 72 in the second innings and received the nine wicket drubbing at Melbourne.

Shaharyar said they were looking for the root cause of the poor performance and will take measures to rectify the problem. "We will review the performance of the team at the end of the series on and off the field," he said.

Responding to a question about change in the selection committee, he said, "It is no matter of concern". "We have no criticism for selection committee and have respect for Wasim Bari," he said. But, he said one change will be made in senior selection committee and new selector will be brought in place of Sultan Rana, who had been picked in Asian Cricket Council. He said advisory panel discussed the performance of the team and other cricketing matters. The meeting of the advisory panel will be held every month, he added.

The PCB chief said advisory panel believed that too much One-Day Internationals (ODIs) affected the performance of the players. He said PCB was thinking on the lines to form two different squads for the Test and ODIs.

"We will make two/three changes for one-day series after the Sydney Test," he maintained. "Core of six to eight players are part of both teams, Test and ODIs but few changes may be made," he said. However, he made it clear that it was up to the selectors to make the team and consider, which players are good at both brands of cricket.

Earlier, Advisory Panel meeting was attended by Former Pakistan Captain Hanif Muhammad, Moin Afzal, Muhammad Aslam Sanjrani, Ali Raza, Sikander Jamali. Meanwhile, PCB has prepared a proposal of conducting of Relief Fund matches for the victims and affect of Tsunamis Earthquake.

The proposal to conduct these matches Wednesday were sent to heads of Sri Lanka and Indian cricket boards Thilanga Sumithapala and Jagmohan Dalimya by PCB to raise funds for the victims of devastation caused by the Earthquake.

"This is message of humanitarian and noble cause for affected people" PCB Shaharyar Khan said. "These matches can be organized either in Pakistan, India or Sri Lanka in the available slot in between hectic schedule of matches" he said.

He said these matches could be held in Eden Gardens in Kolkota (India) because of its massive capacity between India and Pakistan or India and Sri Lanka. He said all the funds raised through these relief matches will be donated to affected people.

 

 


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