Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed confidence in the national selection committee and announced January 31 as the deadline for completing the redevelopment of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.
Speaking to reporters at the academy on Thursday, Naqvi said he was satisfied with the selection committee’s performance and expected its current approach to deliver positive results. He also highlighted plans to improve the training facilities and prepare emerging cricketers for international-level competition.
PCB Medical Panel to Contact Mohammad Rizwan
Naqvi said the PCB’s medical panel would contact wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan to seek clarification before submitting its report on his case.
He revealed that he had received a briefing on the matter a few days earlier and expected the relevant officials to get in touch with the player soon.
“I think they will contact Rizwan, seek some clarifications and file the report,” Naqvi said.
However, the PCB chairman did not specify how much time the process would take, leaving the next steps dependent on the medical panel’s assessment and findings.
National Cricket Academy Redevelopment to Finish by January 31
Outlining the academy’s redevelopment plans, Naqvi announced January 31 as the target date for completing the upgraded facility.
He described the revamped academy as a state-of-the-art centre that would feature world-class training machinery and improved facilities for player development.
Naqvi credited former Pakistan cricketer Aqib Javed with playing an important role in preparing the academy’s master plan and design. He said the facility was already being used for extended training camps involving emerging players.
According to the PCB chairman, the programme focuses on identifying and correcting technical and physical weaknesses before young cricketers become part of the national team.
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Focus on Preparing Young Cricketers for International Cricket
Naqvi said Aqib Javed was bringing promising young players to the academy and working on their shortcomings through structured training.
He stressed that emerging cricketers should develop their basic skills before reaching the national squad rather than requiring fundamental coaching at the international level.
The PCB chairman expressed hope that another group of talented players would emerge from the development programme within six months.
The initiative reflects the board’s broader emphasis on strengthening the domestic talent pipeline and improving the preparation of players for international cricket.
Naqvi Defends PSL Franchise Model
Responding to questions about financial challenges facing some Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises, Naqvi defended the existing franchise model.
He said team owners had entered the competition with an understanding that generating profits could take time and that franchises should not necessarily expect immediate financial returns.
“There is nothing that says they have to make money from the first day,” he said.
Naqvi added that franchise owners interested in selling their teams at a profit were welcome to do so.
Reiterating his confidence in the PCB’s current direction, he said he would continue supporting the decisions made by his team.
Source: The Express Tribune.
