LAHORE: Head coach/chief selector of Pakistan Misbah-ul-Haq raised his voice in favour of cricketers who became jobless as a result of closure of departmental cricket and urged both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the government to take necessary steps to put in place an alternate system for them.

To a question during a presser here on Monday, Misbah said: “Yes, departmental cricket has been a concern. We have already talked about it with PCB and urged that an alternate system be placed to look after our cricketers who are playing domestic cricket.

“Cricketers who have lost their jobs are facing financial problems but unfortunately nothing could be done for them in a proper way. Covid-19 situation has also put hurdles in taking any decision and now new domestic season is also about to start,” he said.Meanwhile, when asked why cricketers were not staying in the national cricket committee for any longer period, Misbah said he could not comment because it was a decision of an individual. But he stressed that everyone should fulfill the commitments made while assuming the charge.

Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2020