PCB Unveils Committee to Revamp Domestic Cricket Structure

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the formation of a five-member committee tasked with restructuring the domestic cricket system. The announcement was made on Friday.

Reports indicate that the newly constituted panel lacks a designated chairperson and notably excludes representatives from departmental cricket, a decision that has stirred debate within cricketing circles.

This initiative marks another attempt by the PCB to reform the domestic cricket framework. The board implemented significant changes last year, including the introduction of the Champions Cup and inter-collegiate competitions.

However, these changes led to the discontinuation of established tournaments such as the National One-Day Cup and national junior events.

The junior event, in particular, faced controversy when it was suspended after a single day of play and has remained inactive since then.

Reports suggest that the new five-member panel comprises individuals with extensive experience in cricket administration and includes former players.

Data analyst Bilal Afzal, a former member of the national selection panel and current advisor to the PCB Chairman, is among the members.

Wahab Riaz, a former Test fast bowler and previous member of the national selection committee, also joins the committee. He currently holds the position of senior manager within the Pakistan cricket team and oversees the Champion Cup as its director.

Aaqib Javed, who recently resigned as interim head coach of the national team, is also a member.

Syed Sumair Ahmed, the Chief Operating Officer, and Khawaja Nadeem Ahmed, President of the Lahore Region Cricket Association, complete the committee’s composition.

Key figures in domestic cricket affairs, such as PCB Director of Domestic Cricket Khurram Niazi and Senior GM Junaid Zia, are notably absent from the committee.