Ashish Ranjan
Pakistan was one of the favorites to win the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023, but they finished in last place in the Super Four stage after consecutive losses to India and Sri Lanka. On Thursday, September 21, the chairman of the management committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Zaka Ashraf, convened a meeting to discuss the dismal performance of the ‘Men in Green‘ in the six-team tournament. Members of the coaching crew were present alongside the captain and his deputy.
After the meeting, the PCB issued a statement in which Ashraf blamed the previous committee for allowing cricketers to play in leagues around the globe, causing them to be exhausted before national duty. In the future, PCB will attempt to better manage the duties of the players, said the 71-year-old in the statement.
In the statement, it was also revealed that former Pakistan captain and current chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq met with Ashraf on Thursday afternoon to discuss the squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup, which begins the following month. A press conference will be held on Friday, September 22 at 11.45 a.m. (IST) at Level 2, Far-End Building of Gaddafi Stadium to announce the final 15 participants for the prestigious tournament.
“Inzamam ul Haq, chief selector, was unable to attend yesterday’s meeting due to a medical emergency. However, he conferred with Zaka Ashraf on Thursday afternoon to provide his input. Inzamam has finalized the Pakistan squad for the ICC World Cup, which will be announced on Friday at 11:15 a.m. at Level 2, Far-End Building of Gaddafi Stadium, according to a statement released by the PCB.
Pakistan will start their ODI World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on October 6
Pakistan will commence their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign with a match against qualifiers Netherlands on Friday, October 6 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. In addition, the high-stakes match between India and Pakistan will take place on October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
