Waqar Younis warns of Pakistan Cricket's demise if ex-cricketers don't step in to save it

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced the formation of a new six-member advisory board, to be led by legendary fast bowler Waqar Younis. The PCB made this committee to address concerns about favoritism towards certain players within the Pakistan cricket team.

Naqvi, who is also the caretaker chief minister for the upcoming general elections, responded strongly to critics questioning his cricketing acumen. He dismissed concerns about his expertise in the sport while emphasizing his commitment to making impactful decisions for Pakistani cricket.

I am bringing in former stars to vet and improve the cricket system: PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi

Mohsin Naqvi said at the media conference at the PCB office: “I am bringing in former stars to vet and improve the cricket system and end this culture of personal likes and dislikes.”

The PCB chief has also reiterated that every Pakistani cricketer must give priority to the Pakistan Cricket Team over the overseas T20 leagues. He made it clear that the Pakistani players will be given NOCs only if their involvement in the franchise leagues doesn’t impact Pakistan cricket.

"Every Pakistani cricketer must give priority to Pakistan Cricket before NOCs for T20 Leagues," he said.

Meanwhile, the PCB announced the new domestic structure, which will have five teams, and they will be appointing five legendary former cricketers to oversee them, who will also be members of a cricket advisory board chaired by Waqar Younis.

Pakistan Cricket needs their former legends: Waqar Younis

This advisory board will oversee all cricket-related matters in Pakistan, and Waqar has expressed his support for this new structure, emphasizing that resources will be directed towards improving domestic cricket. The legendary pacer also revealed that he is in the process of selecting these cricketing legends for their respective roles.

Their primary focus will be on improving the Pakistan cricket team's performance on the international stage, and Waqar stressed that if the former cricketers don’t come forward to help, Pakistan cricket will be finished. He said that they need to maintain high standards.

Waqar said at the same press conference: “Pakistan Cricket will decline when ex-cricketers will not come forward to save Pakistan Cricket. We will appoint five legends to head the teams, and I am already in touch with some of them. Cricket remains our product, and we have to play good cricket to maintain our brand. All rest comes later.”

Notably, the PCB will conduct strict fitness tests for its players in preparation for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. The board has also decided to postpone the release of central contracts until they can ensure that only those players who meet high international fitness standards will be considered.

With this bold move, the PCB wants to raise the fitness benchmarks within Pakistan cricket. Pakistan will be hosting Bangladesh in a two-match Test series from August 21 in Rawalpindi.