LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to promote top-performing domestic players, calling up 18 cricketers to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) on Saturday for assessment.
During their visit to the academy, the selected players met with PCB officials to discuss fitness and performance.
According to PCB sources, five to six players from this group are likely to be included in the squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour. The final selection will be made by the current selection committee, with the official squad announcement expected within the next three to four days.
In a major shake-up, the PCB has also decided to rest underperforming players for the New Zealand series, allowing several emerging talents to showcase their potential at the international level. Sources indicate that senior players, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah, are expected to be rested for the tour.
The PCB stated that this initiative aligns with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s vision of revamping the national team by providing opportunities to in-form domestic players.
Speaking to the media after the NCA meeting, Haider Ali said, “Today’s discussions focused on fitness and performance. The selected players will undergo a four-week training camp.”
Similarly, Khawaja Nafay emphasised the learning opportunities provided by competitive leagues, adding, “If given a chance, I will try to fill the team’s power-hitting gap.” Faisal Akram noted that while selection is up to the selectors, he is ready to give his best if picked.
Fast bowler Ahmad Daniyal underscored his performances in the Champions Cup, stating, “I have played both red-ball and white-ball cricket, and Shoaib Akhtar has always been my inspiration.” He also urged former Pakistani cricketers to support young players rather than constantly criticizing them.
Players in attendance included Haider Ali, Muaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Suleman, Khawaja Nafay, Saad Masood, Mubasir Khan, Faisal Akram, Mirza Tahir Baig, Ali Raza, Qasim Akram, and several others.
