In a significant move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Wednesday the creation of a prominent body, the Cricket Technical Committee (CTC). Former Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq will lead the CTC, including distinguished figures such as Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez. The committee provides recommendations on diverse cricket-related issues, including domestic structure, scheduling, the appointment of national selection committees and team coaches, and development plans for umpires, referees, and curators. The CTC is also granted the authority to invite additional cricket experts for consultation.
Before the formal announcement, Misbah and Hafeez, alongside another former captain, Rashid Latif, had been discussing the cricket structure of the PCB. However, they had conflicting views on the upcoming domestic cricket season structure. The CTC was officially announced after these discussions, with Inzamam replacing Rashid.
Reactions to the Formation of CTC
Later, during a television talk show, Rashid clarified his position, stating that he did not wish to associate with any PCB committee. He confirmed that he had visited the PCB only upon Misbah’s request and had declined Chairman Zaka’s offer to take up any role in the PCB. He assured me that he wouldn’t take any future role.
Conversely, Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the PCB Interim Management Committee, expressed his optimism about the newly formed CTC. He hailed the cricket knowledge of Misbah, Inzamam, and Hafeez and their understanding of the demands of modern-day cricket. He stressed the importance of a solid domestic cricket structure and was confident that including these experienced players would help uplift Pakistan’s cricket system.
Misbah, who has an illustrious cricketing history, considers his appointment as the head of CTC an honour and believes that the committee’s vast experience and knowledge would positively impact Pakistan cricket.