PCB defend timing of domestic T20 contest

The Pakistan Cricket Board have defended the timing of their new domestic T20 competition, saying the event gives the Pakistan players enough time to prepare for the UAE series against Australia next month.
Captain Misbah-ul-Haq and coach Waqar Younis were reportedly annoyed by the tournament’s placement, which does not allow the national players time to go to the UAE early to prepare for the Aussies.
They, according to Cricinfo, met with the PCB last week to discuss the matter, but were told that the national players had to be part of the event to appease sponsors, and that it was good enough preparation.
A PCB spokesman said: “Why not have the T20 cup, it is a perfect way to give players practice and after all they are playing competitive cricket here, that is giving them the preparation.
“We recently announced the captains and the team will be announced soon as well.
“There are so many factors that play a part, as the PCB wanted to start the domestic season on a good note instead giving it a dull start.
“Sponsors are obviously important for the game of cricket these days, they are major source of income and their involvement is obvious.”
An unnamed Pakistan player had apparently told Cricinfo: “See we lost to Sri Lanka and rather than working on our problems we are standing around.
“This isn’t the best way to prepare as these upcoming series in the UAE are the only opportunity to give our player ample practice for the World Cup.
“Playing against Australia is never easy. I am afraid with such a short time we will remain under-prepared to take on Australia.”
Latest
-
News
ICC Player of the Month nominations for March announced
Winners of the player of the month awards will be announced every second Monday of the month on the ICC’s digital channels.
-
News
Billy Root overshadows brother Joe as England captain suffers against Glamorgan
The visitors closed the second day with the upper hand at Headingley.
-
News
Sadiq Khan hoping to attract future IPL matches to London
London has staged NFL, MLB and NBA matches in London in the past and the London Mayor hopes IPL matches can also be staged in the capital.
-
News
Dan Lawrence shows early touch as Essex start strongly in Championship
There were big hundreds for Sam Robson, Tom Haines and James Vince.
-
News
Sachin Tendulkar thanks medical staff after returning home from hospital
Tendulkar was admitted to hospital last week after revealing he had tested positive for Covid-19 and had been in quarantine at home.
-
News
New Zealand name squad for their Test tour of England
New Zealand have named a 20-player squad for their tour of England, with three uncapped prospects in the group.
-
News
Jamie Porter hoping for England call after picking James Anderson’s brain
Porter was close to his England debut against India three years ago but has fallen down the pecking order.
-
News
ICC Rankings: Fakhar Zaman on the charge in ODIs
Fakhar Zaman has scored back-to-back ODI centuries in South Africa and is in red-hot form.
-
News
ICC pressing ahead with plans for T20 World Cup in India despite Covid-19 spike
Acting chief executive Geoff Allardice says the ICC is “not anywhere near” activating any contingency plans.
-
News
Matt Parkinson takes positives from England tour despite lack of game time
Parkinson did not see competitive action in Sri Lanka or India.