Naqvi backs selection committee, outlines academy revamp

ISLAMABAD BUREAU —Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Thursday that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency would contact wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan for some clarification before submitting its report. Speaking to reporters at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Naqvi said he had been briefed on Rizwan’s case a few days earlier and expected the relevant officials to get in touch with the player soon. “I think they will contact Rizwan, seek some clarifications and file the report,” Naqvi said, adding that he was unsure how long the process would take.

Turning to the academy’s redevelopment, Naqvi announced January 31 as the deadline for completing the upgraded facility, which he described as a state-of-the-art centre equipped with world-class training machinery. He credited Aqib Javed with playing a key role in the master plan and design, adding that the facility was already being used to conduct extended training camps for emerging cricketers. “Aqib is bringing our young players here and training them.

The most important thing is that he is addressing their shortcomings so they do not have to learn basic skills when they join a squad,” Naqvi said. He expressed hope that another batch of talented players would emerge from the programme within six months. The PCB chairman also backed the existing selection committee, saying he was satisfied with its work and expected the current approach to produce positive results.

On the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Naqvi defended the franchise model amid questions about the financial challenges facing some teams, saying owners had been aware that profitability could take time. “There is nothing that says they have to make money from the first day,” he said, adding that franchise owners wishing to sell at a profit were welcome to do so.

Naqvi reiterated his confidence in the board’s current direction, saying he would continue to support the decisions made by his team.