Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Faisal Hasnain has regretted the poor perception of the country around the world and called it a huge reason why other countries hesitate to send their best teams to Pakistan.

Hasnain, who has earlier worked as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with the International Cricket Council (ICC), also revealed that the discussions about Pakistan cricket in the “corridors” have largely been negative.

Hasnain, along with PCB chief Ramiz Raja, took part in his first press conference since being made the CEO.

“Pakistan's perception is not good. I can be very honest about it; I've worked in the ICC and with Zimbabwe cricket, so I know the discussions which take place in the corridors about Pakistan cricket. Pakistan's perception and reputation is a problem.

This is something which is, unfortunately, impacting Pakistan, not only in sports but also other fields like tourism and the economy. This perception has to be removed and we all have to play a role in that,” said Hasnain.

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He further revealed that articles of negative reporting on Pakistan were put on the ICC notice boards for all to see.

“Negative reporting is only impacting Pakistan's overseas reputation. When I was in ICC, there were certain articles about Pakistan cricket that used to be put on ICC notice boards, and it was pointed out that this was an issue in this country," said Hasnain.

He cited some of the points and said: “Things like 'It's a dangerous country', 'There are electricity problems in Pakistan', 'Crowds are not in the stadiums', 'Players can't get out from their hotel rooms..' All of this is going to negatively impact the teams.”

Pakistan recently hosted West Indies for a limited-overs tour, which was cut short after the T20Is were played as multiple COVID-19 cases in the tourists’ camp hampered their preparations for the ODIs.

(Hindustan times inputs)