A recent meeting chaired by Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, revealed internal concerns about the Pakistan cricket team’s ongoing challenges. According to sources, the gathering included PCB mentors, selectors, and top officials, with a focus on analyzing the underlying causes of the team’s recent struggles. At the center of the discussion was the role of Director International, Usman Wahla, who faced strong criticism for his alleged mismanagement.
Director International Under Fire
The spotlight in the meeting was primarily on Usman Wahla, Director International at PCB, who was held responsible for the team’s poor performances on the international stage. Sources revealed that the board members and selectors expressed their frustration over the recurring problems in the team’s preparations. The main point of contention revolved around Pakistan’s pitches, which were said to have been detrimental to the team’s performance in recent series.
The preparation of pitches, a key responsibility of the Director International, came under scrutiny. According to insiders, Wahla’s inability to ensure pitches favorable to Pakistan’s team strategy was cited as a significant factor contributing to the recent defeats. His lack of attention to the quality and preparation of pitches was described as a major oversight, as these playing surfaces often hold the key to success, especially in home matches.
Concerns Over Fitness Testing
The meeting also brought to light another critical issue—the failure to conduct proper fitness tests for national players. It was reported that the International Department, which Wahla leads, had shown negligence in organizing and overseeing fitness evaluations. Participants of the meeting were vocal in their dissatisfaction, asserting that a proactive approach should have been adopted to ensure that fitness tests were completed well before the start of tournaments.
Due to these delays, the PCB’s central contract system also suffered. Sources revealed that the fitness evaluation process was not only disorganized but also contributed to a delay in the finalization of contracts, which may have had an impact on players’ preparations and overall morale. Fitness levels are crucial for any cricket team, and Pakistan’s team has been lagging behind in this area, according to those present at the meeting.
Criticism of Physio and Conditioning Coach
The fitness concerns did not end with Wahla. The PCB meeting also raised serious questions about the performances of Pakistan’s physiotherapist, Cliff Deacon, and strength and conditioning coach, Drax Simon. Both of these professionals have been with the national team for an extended period, yet the overall fitness levels of the players have shown a worrying decline.
Sources indicated that several members of the meeting pointed out that Pakistan’s players are significantly behind when compared to their international counterparts in terms of fitness. This fitness disparity has affected their performance, particularly in fast-paced formats like T20 and One-Day Internationals (ODIs). It was mentioned that despite the long tenure of Deacon and Simon, little progress has been made in improving the team’s fitness.
The falling fitness graph has become a major concern for PCB, as it not only impacts the performance of players but also increases their vulnerability to injuries. The inability to maintain fitness has led to repeated breakdowns and inconsistent availability of key players, which further hinders the team’s ability to perform at its best.
Future Direction for the PCB
The meeting, filled with candid discussions, concluded with the decision to introduce significant changes in the PCB’s International Department. It was clear from the meeting that the current leadership, especially Director International Usman Wahla, was unable to meet the board’s expectations. The PCB has now resolved to bring in a new head of the International Department in an effort to restructure and re-energize the department responsible for ensuring the team’s success on the global stage.
The introduction of a new leader for this department signals that the PCB is taking strong action to address the issues that have plagued the team. The fresh leadership is expected to take charge of crucial matters such as pitch preparation, fitness management, and overall team support to improve Pakistan’s performance in future international competitions.
The move also indicates the board’s commitment to holding its staff accountable for underperformance. The PCB is expected to review the roles of key individuals, including the coaching and support staff, and make necessary adjustments to ensure that Pakistan cricket is back on track.
The meeting chaired by Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has brought forth several pressing concerns within the Pakistan Cricket Board. The accountability of the International Department, particularly Director Usman Wahla, has been questioned, and the team’s fitness levels have become a major issue. The PCB is taking immediate action to address these challenges, signaling a crucial turning point for the future of Pakistan cricket. The introduction of new leadership in the International Department will be a key step towards rectifying the shortcomings and preparing the national team for upcoming challenges.
