Pak cricketers demand cricket board's focus on domestic cricket

Karachi, May 1 (ANI): Former Pakistan cricketers have urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to focus on improving the standard of domestic cricket in the country before the next season, instead of investing its energy on the return of international cricket.

The PCB had formed a task team, headed by the director of game development and cricket operations (international) Intikhab Alam, in order to improve and revamp the structure of domestic cricket. However, even after three months, the committee's recommendations are still waiting for approval from PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf.

According to former fast-bowler Jalaluddin, this is the 'perfect time' to revamp the domestic circuit.

"The season has been wrapped up," Jalal told The Express Tribune. "Now, we're heading into a new one and this is the perfect time to make changes because it will give breathing space to the PCB officials. Previously, changes were made in haste - without weighing the pros and cons - when the season was underway and that's one of the reasons we have not been able construct a proper structure after so many years. Hence, our cricket has suffered," he said.

The former pacer added that the poor standard of domestic cricket has been a cause of embarrassment for Pakistan players at the international stage 'since the difference in quality was clearly visible'.

"The contracts of domestic cricketers should be improved as well and the PCB should facilitate 200 players instead of taking care of just 16 national team members," Jalal said.

Meanwhile, Zaheer Abbas, a member of the task force, echoed Jalal's thoughts.

"It's sad that the return of international cricket has been delayed but now the board should look at domestic cricket," said Zaheer. (ANI)