KARACHI: Despite all the money being put in, despite the unheralded glamour Pakistan’s domestic cricket was set to find itself in, despite the dash of colour and the flashy logos, there remained fear and trepidation.

There remained fear that newly-revamped domestic cricket structure with the reduced role of departments, which had employed hundreds of players in the country for decades, would make the cricketers suffer.

But former Pakistan Test opener Imran Farhat, who led Habib Bank to the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy title last year, shrugged off all those fears on Friday.

The 35-year-old, who has faced more than many others the grind of Pakistan’s domestic cricket, said the new system, which features six regional sides, will ensure only the best players remain in the top tier.

“That’s how it happened in the past as well,” said Imran, the vice-captain of Balochistan, who kick off the new season of the Quaid Trophy against Sindh on Saturday. “In the past, the departments never really retained players when they stopped performing.”

Speaking during a news conference at the National Stadium, Imran said Habib Bank discarded around 20 players in the last three seasons and that would’ve happened regardless of whether the system was revamped or not.

“Yes, we were scared when we came to know the departmental system is being abolished, but when the new structure was revealed we realised that more or less the same players will be featuring in the top tier,” said the left-hander.

The Pakistan Cricket Board, Imran added, has also not ignored the fact that the senior players might suffer due to the level of competition that is set to increase with only six teams in the Quaid Trophy.

“The senior players are being given opportunities to learn coaching courses and work with domestic sides as management staff as well,” he said.

Imran will be leading a Balochistan side, which will feature only two players from Pakistan’s largest province — Bismillah Khan and Mohammad Asghar.

Imran realises that players from the province, which total up to only a handful in the top level of domestic cricket, have not really been given the attention they deserve.

“I was surprised by their passion during the practice sessions. They were standing out with their jumps and dives,” Imran said. “These guys are very strong genetically and fitness wise they are clearly better than others. But this tournament is a good chance for them and I believe they’ll shine this time.”

TIME NEEDED

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed, who will lead Sindh when not on national duty, echoed Imran’s views regarding the positives the new domestic cricket structure brings with it.

However, the wicket-keeper believed the new system should be allowed time to produce results.

The 32-year-old also expressed relief that the fear that prevailed regarding to the departmental system being demolished isn’t there anymore since the top performers are still going to play in the top tier.

“The target is to improve the quality of cricket in Pakistan. After the revamp people were worried that many players will miss out but the teams that have been named contain all the top players,” said Sarfraz. “Regardless of that I think the system will need time and then we’ll see how well it works out.”

The Pakistan skipper believed the new system will push players to work harder to make sure they remain in the top tier. He said the players who don’t give their 100 per cent will find it very hard to compete with the best players in the country.

“The competition level will increase and the players will have to work very hard to consolidate their position in the teams. If they put their 70 per cent effort in the previous system, now they’ll have to put in 100 per cent,” Sarfraz said.

The Karachi-born player expressed satisfaction over the number of matches each team is going to play per season and said it will give the players opportunity to put on display good performances in all formats.

“The balance of experience and youth in all teams is very good and the number of matches (10 First Class, 10 List-A and 10 T20s) will also give the players many opportunities to perform. The second XI players will have equal opportunities to make it to the first teams too,” said the Sindh captain.

Both Sarfraz and Imran welcomed the introduction of the Kookaburra balls in domestic cricket, saying it will help filter out the more technically sound batsmen and bowlers.

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2019