LAHORE: Top national cricketers expressed their concerns during the recent PCB Connection Camp, highlighting issues related to performance, mental well-being and delays in obtaining no-objection certificates (NOCs) for foreign participation in the league, local reports said citing sources.
The players acknowledged their poor performances in recent matches, with one cricketer stressing the need for mental calm to perform well, saying: “To perform well, we need a calm mind.” The commentary highlighted the psychological challenges facing players at the highest level of the game.
A major point of frustration was the PCB’s delay in processing the NOC, which the players claimed affected their ability to play in foreign leagues. “The PCB often defers these requests and we don’t get any response,” revealed one player. In response to these concerns, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi directed CEO Salman Naseer to resolve the issues related to the NOC.
Sources indicate that the PCB is also reviewing its financial processes and handling of NOCs, with some officials expressing dissatisfaction with the current practice. Naqvi’s recent comments about the national team hinted at significant changes following Pakistan’s defeat to India in the T20 World Cup.
Speaking to reporters, Naqvi said: “It seemed that a minor surgery would work, but after this poor performance, I am now sure that a major surgery is required. The nation will soon see a major repair.” Discussions of these “surgical” changes continued throughout the camp, with one player commenting, “[PCB] should also pay attention to their internal affairs,” pointing out how internal issues and treatment of players affects their mental health and performance. The day long camp included top cricketers Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan and Shan Masood.
