- Salahuddin Sallu praised PCB chairman for improving Pakistan cricket.
- Naqvi’s efforts aim to stop the national team’s recent decline.
- Sallu suggested replacing assistant coach Azhar Mahmood for better results.
Ex-Test player and former chief selector Salahuddin Sallu has commended PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his proactive approach to improving Pakistan cricket.
In a conversation with media on Monday, Sallu underscored Naqvi’s role in halting the national team’s recent decline.
“I admire the efforts being made by PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi to bring our cricket at par with the international standards. Those who have seen the Pakistan cricket team ruling world cricket in the past or have remained attached with Pakistan Cricket in any capacity are keen to see the revival of that era,” Sallu said.
Sallu pointed out the critical nature of Naqvi’s actions, especially in light of Pakistan’s underwhelming showing at the T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies.
He praised Naqvi’s decisive actions, such as overhauling the selection committee, curbing player dominance, enhancing infrastructure, and enforcing the requirement for players to participate in domestic cricket.
“After the recent debacle of the Pakistan team in the T20World Cup in the US and West Indies, such tough measures had become imperative and I am glad that the PCB chairman has taken them promptly,” he said.
“Revamping of the selection committee, dismantling the player-power, uplift of the infrastructure and making the domestic cricket appearances mandatory for all players are all excellent steps taken by Mr Naqvi recently. They will, Inshallah, bear fruit very soon,” he added.
Yet, Sallu suggested that Naqvi should replace assistant coach Azhar Mahmood with someone more capable.
“Azhar, in my opinion, does not deserve to be the team’s coach as he is not competent for the job and have failed to deliver whenever given the opportunity to serve Pakistan Cricket,” he said.
“I remember how PSL franchise Islamabad United sacked Azhar during the PSL 8 season which is a clear indication of his inability to motivate the players or help them overcome their shortcomings,” he concluded.