LAHORE: Newly-elected Prime Minister Imran Khan, on Saturday hinted that changes in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are surely in the offing and reiterated his views against departmental cricket and for the regional system besides showing concern over the poor standards of Olympic sports in the country.

Former Test bowler Aaqib Javed, who was among the members of a delegation of former Test cricketers which met the ex-Pakistan captain in Islamabad soon after he took oath as the 22nd premier of the country, told Dawn that though the prime minister did not elaborate the modalities of the changes in the current set up of the PCB, he did hint at that.

Aaqib said Imran also asked for suggestions from the delegation on how to improve cricket and other sports, especially Olympics sports.

The rumours about possible replacement of incumbent PCB chairman Najam Sethi have been taking rounds in the media since the day Imran won the general elections on July 25.

Though Sethi has had some significant achievements during his tenure as PCB chief, the age-old tradition of the new government bringing its own man on this coveted post is most likely to be continue this time as well.

Aaqib said though the delegation was divided over the issue of abolishing departmental cricket, the majority supported Imran’s stance of adopting regional cricket.

The former Test pacer informed that some members of the delegation argued that that many poor cricketers could face financial hardships if departmental cricket is abolished. “However, Imran’s reply was the same that the PCB is not a welfare institution but its major responsibility is to produce professional cricketers,” said Aaqib.

Aaqib, who was part of the 1992 World Cup-winning team, said that it was also suggested that in the absence of departmental cricket, the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which currently has six teams but could go up to eight soon, would be a better replacement for it.

It may also be mentioned here that Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed, in his latest media talk, had also appealed to the Prime Minister not to abolish departmental cricket.

The delegation comprised legendary batsman and ex-skipper Javed Miandad, who has been a blunt supporter of departmental cricket, and former skippers Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja, Moin Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis besides spinners Abdul Qadir and Mushtaq Ahmed as well as ex-opener Mudassar Nazar.

About bringing improvement in the Olympics sports, the delegation suggested that a proper system of merit and revamp of infrastructure had to be developed since the existing set up could not produce any results in the next 50 years.

Former Indian Test cricketer, Navjot Singh Sidhu, who is also a politician, was also present on the occasion. The ex-opener also expressed his wishes for Imran’s success and expressed hope that the new premier could achieve many things for his country since he is an honest and dedicated person, recalled Aaqib.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2018