PCB demands explanation from ICC over final ceremony exclusion

PCB demands explanation from ICC over final ceremony exclusion

Asher Butt 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a nationwide talent hunt program for schools and colleges, while also seeking clarification from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding their exclusion from the final ceremony of the Champions Trophy.

PCB Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Champions Trophy Director, Sumair Syed, expressed his dissatisfaction with the ICC's oversight, stating, "It was an organizational lapse on the part of the ICC, and we have sought an explanation."

Simultaneously, under the directives of Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB is launching a comprehensive talent hunt program targeting 10,000 boys and girls across the country. Addressing a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium alongside Advisor to Chairman PCB Aamir Mir, Senior GM Domestic Cricket Junaid Zia, and Senior GM Women's Wing Raafia Haider, Sumair Syed revealed that this initiative marks a first for Pakistani cricket.

"We are going to conduct a talent hunt in schools and colleges across the country to find good cricketers," said Aamir Mir. "PCB coaches will train these players, aiming to discover talented individuals from the grassroots level for the future."

The PCB will open a registration portal next month for schools and colleges to form teams, providing them with technical and financial support. The program will identify 220 boys and girls in the under-15 and under-17 categories, who will then be grouped and trained by PCB coaches.

"This program will help increase the pool of young players," stated Sumair Syed.

Regarding the ICC Champions Trophy final ceremony, Sumair Syed reiterated, "It was an organizational lapse by the ICC, and we have sought an explanation. We have also imposed damages on the contractor for the leakage at Gaddafi Stadium due to rain and have completed the repairs."

Raafia Haider emphasized the inclusion of girls' colleges in the program, aiming to provide more opportunities for female athletes. Junaid Zia highlighted the program's focus on grassroots development, clarifying that it will complement, not replace, existing school and college programs.

The PCB officials stressed that merit will be the sole criterion for player selection. Sumair Syed confirmed that the semi-finals and final of the school and college tournament will be televised, aiming to provide exposure to young talent.