PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi tells players 'merit is above everyone'

Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi Tuesday met with Pakistani cricketers where he emphasised the importance of merit within the team, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Naqvi addressed the players in Islamabad where they gathered to participate in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9.

Talking to players, Naqvi stated that the team will be selected solely based on merit and no wishes of any individual will be taken into consideration.

“The team selection will not be done on the will of anyone, the team selection will be done only on merit,” Naqvi stated. “The most promising thing is that merit will be kept in front, I don’t want to criticise anyone.”

He then reassured that every deserving player will get the chance and if merit is broken, the entire selection committee will bear its consequences.

“Every player's turn will come on merit, if the merit is broken, it has been decided that the entire selection committee will go,” he added. “There are ups and downs in the team, Pakistan cricket team have star players who have to be respected.

“If the players are playing well, they will be selected for the team, I will never say that the players should sacrifice.”

Naqvi said we all have one mission and that is to win and that is possible with unity.

He said the good performers are their stars

“There are ups and downs in every field and one always has to sacrifice for a greater cause. Players should prioritize Pakistan first and the money should be the second priority.”

He said players' contracts can be further improved.

He said there is no shame in losing but the thing that matters is to put up a fight in the field.

Naqvi said the focus will be on the fitness of the players.

He said New Zealand were coming to Pakistan and Pakistan were to go to England, Ireland and America and it was difficult to find time for training but there will be a camp in Kakul from March 25 to April 8.

Naqvi assured players of his all-out support and said his doors will always remain open for them players can contact him whenever they want.

Naqvi also said that the cricket academy will be improved and preparations were underway for 5-star hotels near Gaddafi Stadium Lahore and National Stadium Karachi.

He said the board does not need to hoard up the money and it will be invested in the players.

He said the board was in contact for the appointment of the coaching staff and the best available persons will be appointed in the coaching staff.