CWC 2023: PCB chief Zaka Ashraf meets former Test players to discuss way forward for struggling Pakistan team

Pakistan are on the verge of elimination from the World Cup after losing to Afghanistan.

By Salman Anjum - 24 Oct, 2023

Pakistan cricket was jolted to the core on Monday (October 23) as the Men in Green suffered an embarrassing eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Afghanistan in Chennai.

This loss has put Pakistan on the brink of elimination from the ongoing World Cup. They have to win remaining four games and hope that other results go their way to reach the semi-final.

In the wake of this defeat, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Zaka Ashraf has started consulting the former Test cricketers to seek advice in the player development process.

On Tuesday (October 24), Ashraf met with Inzamam-ul-Haq (chief selector), Mohammad Yousuf and Aaqib Javed. He is looking to engage with stalwarts like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saqlain Mushtaq and Umar Gul as well.

“Mr Zaka Ashraf emphasised on the Board’s focus towards engaging the expertise of former players, who have represented Pakistan in various capacities, to help groom players as specialised batters, spinners and fast bowlers,” PCB said in a press release.

“In future, the National Cricket Academy plans to organise a specialised camp with top talent from the domestic circuit. The primary goal of this camp is to nurture these players and make them ready for the international stage, in an attempt to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket,” the media release added.

“These players have served Pakistan at the highest stage and have a treasure of experience under their belts. We hope to utilise their expertise to help ensure our players are developed well in all aspects of the game. In this way, we hope we can produce players in all departments of the game that can serve Pakistan in the future,” Zaka Ashraf said in a statement issued by PCB.

Pakistan’s next World Cup match is scheduled against South Africa in Chennai on October 27.

By Salman Anjum - 24 Oct, 2023

TAGS