Things were on right track when we revived cricket, says Najam Sethi
Cricket
Things were on right track when we revived cricket, says Najam Sethi
LAHORE (Web Desk) – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Management Committee Najam Sethi said on Tuesday that everything was alright when his administration resurrected cricket in the country.
Mr Sethi spoke about his previous tenure on state television, saying, “It is during our time that Pakistan lifted the ICC Champions Trophy.” Mr Sethi said of the pitches in the country, “Even on the flat pitches, Pakistan was losing, but our efforts saved the ongoing series.”
Mr Sethi said of interim chief selector Shahid Afridi, “Mr Afridi played attacking cricket throughout his career. We made him the interim chief selector, he was quite busy. I thank Mr Afridi on behalf of the PCB for accepting this responsibility.”
Mr Sethi lambasted the previous administration over the matter of the women’s cricket team, saying no special attention was given to the women’s cricket team.
“Soon after the incumbent government came into power, I was asked whether the PCB should continue with Ramiz Raja or not. Mr Raja was given the opportunity, but he was not able to deliver," said Mr Sethi”.
Lamenting that the departmental cricket was closed, Mr Sethi said, "We have been given four months to deliver and hold elections. After that, a new board will come into existence."
Comparing the existing challenges with the holding of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Mr Sethi said, "When I was earlier sent to the PCB in the first tenure, I showed no interest as at that time the biggest challenge facing the PCB was holding the PSL, but we accomplished this challenge."
Mr Sethi continued, “When the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) government came into power, I said goodbye to the PCB myself. Now the challenge is much greater than the PSL.”
Mr Sethi talked about the cricket infrastructure, “I did not want to criticise anyone, but there was a dire need to undo the entire infrastructure. It’s time to come up with a new infrastructure, which is quite a hectic job."
