LAHORE, Dec 29: Pakistan cricket’s chief has dispelled the impression that he has developed differences with national coach Intikhab Alam in any matter, saying he rather regards the 1992 World Cup team manager greatly.

“Intikhab is like a father-figure to me and we have no differences over any matter. In fact, I would prefer Intikhab’s opinion over mine if we ever have an issue because I have great respect for him,” Qadir told Dawn on Monday.

Intikhab and Qadir have, meanwhile, jointly devised a plan to hold longer version matches to select the Pakistan squad for the forthcoming home series against Sri Lanka next month.

Intikhab and Qadir held a meeting here at the Gaddafi Stadium and decided to hold at least two five-day matches; and if they have more time at least three one-dayers could be arranged to test the match-fitness of the players before picking them for the national side.

Qadir said after getting the go-ahead signal for the series, he would start his plan to select the team for which he said he had already made four teams namely A, B, C and D.

All the top players will represent ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams and some from ‘C’ and ‘D’ would also be tested in five-day matches, which would be 12-a-side affairs, Qadir stated.

While Cricket Australia (CA) is planning to introduce day-night Test matches, Qadir proposed a new idea – urging the world of cricket to start 12-a-side matches in all formats of the game.

“I feel it from the core of my heart that now cricket should be changed from an 11-a-side game to a 12-a-side affair as it will give depth to both batting and bowling sets of the competing sides,” Qadir, a former Pakistan leg-spinner, opined.

“With the 12-a-side arrangement in Tests, One-day Internationals and Twenty20, at least you will have five specialised bowlers [pacemen and spinners], as many batsmen, an all-rounder and a wicket-keeper; otherwise, sometimes you have limited choices in all departments of the game,” Qadir reckoned.

Qadir, who played 67 Tests and 104 ODIs for Pakistan, claiming 236 and 132 wickets respectively, said it was his idea, adding a debate could be held on it for giving a new and positive change to the game of cricket.

Moreover, Qadir stressed, with this system will keep bowlers of competing teams fresh, specially in Test cricket, claiming that a 12-a-side Test matches would be more result-oriented.

The chief selection head said he would first apply his idea in the trial matches which would be held to name the Pakistan squad for the home series against Sri Lanka, starting next month.

He said the dates and venues for the Sri Lanka series would be announced once the visitors approve the proposed itinerary that features three Tests and five ODIs.

Meanwhile, CA is planning to stage one of the matches of their Test series against Pakistan in Adelaide in November next year in day and night and it is going to seek ICC’s sanction in this regard. If approved, it will be the first day-night Test match.

Speaking on CA’s plan, Qadir said it was premature to make comment on it.

“Let the ICC approve it and cricketers play under it,” Qadir said.

However, he added that the cricketers might get upset by playing a Test match directly without playing any practice game under day-and-night environment.