LAHORE: With the 2023 World Cup just around the corner, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the national cricket team squad will be announced on Friday.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the PCB disclosed that a meeting was held on Wednesday evening with key stakeholders, including national coaching staff led by head coach Mickey Arthur, captain Babar Azam, vice-captain Shadab Khan, and former captains Misbah ul Haq and Mohammad Hafeez. They discussed Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team’s performance in the Asia Cup 2023.
The meeting was also attended by the members of the men’s national coaching staff, comprising head coach Grant Bradburn, batting coach Andrew Puttick, and bowling coach Morne Morkel. Dr. Sohail Saleem, responsible for player injuries and rehabilitation programs, provided updates on player health and recovery plans.
Chairman of PCB, Zaka Ashraf, emphasized the aim of the review to foster an environment of open dialogue and consensus-building. The intention was to engage all stakeholders in discussions about performance, identifying challenges, and proposing solutions. The review sought to assess strengths and weaknesses, enabling clear decisions on investments for the team’s improvement.
Ashraf also highlighted issues such as players’ participation in league cricket, which sometimes led to fatigue before national duties. The discussions led to a proactive approach aimed at managing players’ workloads and prioritizing national commitments.
Asia Cup Experience Valued for World Cup
Ashraf expressed satisfaction with the positive outcome of the review session, where consensus was reached among all stakeholders. He emphasized the value of the experience gained in the Asia Cup as a learning opportunity and preparation for the ICC Men’s World Cup.
The Chairman expressed confidence in the team’s talent and capacity to compete and succeed at the highest level. He assured that the PCB is committed to providing the necessary support and resources to equip the players adequately for the upcoming mega event.
Chief Selector Inzamam ul Haq, who was unable to attend the initial meeting due to a medical emergency, met with Zaka Ashraf on Thursday afternoon to share his insights.
Following the conclusion of the review process, Inzamam has finalized the Pakistan squad for the ICC World Cup which will be announced tomorrow in a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium.
