"Pakistan's perception and reputation is a problem" : PCB CE Faisal Hasnain

[MenInG]

Pakistan Cricket Board's newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Faisal Hasnain has insisted that the country's perception around the world ‘is not good’, which makes it difficult for other countries to send their best teams to Pakistan. Hasnain, who has earlier worked as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with the International Cricket Council (ICC), also revealed that the discussions about Pakistan cricket in the “corridors” have largely been negative.

Hasnain took part in his first press conference since being made the CEO of PCB, and he was joined alongside chairman Ramiz Raja.

“Pakistan's perception is not good. I can be very honest about it; I've worked in the ICC and with Zimbabwe cricket, so I know the discussions which take place in the corridors about Pakistan cricket. Pakistan's perception and reputation is a problem,” said Hasnain.

“This is something which is, unfortunately, impacting Pakistan, not only in sports but also other fields like tourism and economy. This perception has to be removed and we all have to play a role in that.”

The PCB CEO further revealed that on a number of occasions, articles with negative reportage on Pakistan cricket were pasted on ICC notice boards.

“Negative reporting is only impacting Pakistan's overseas reputation. When I was in ICC, there were certain articles about Pakistan cricket that used to be put on ICC notice boards, and it was pointed out that this was an issue in this country," said Hasnain.

“Things like 'It's a dangerous country', 'There are electricity problems in Pakistan', 'Crowds are not in the stadiums', 'Players can't get out from their hotel rooms..' All of this is going to negatively impact the teams.”

Pakistan recently hosted West Indies for a three-match T20I series. The ODI series – which was also a part of the original schedule – was canceled following multiple Covid cases in the West Indian camp.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...put-on-icc-notice-boards-101640159492657.html

 

[Major]

Dumb statements, just shows how clueless he is about the country.

Tourism is improving in the country. Yes it was maybe bad during terrorism times but now it is improving.

Electricity problems? Under cpec this problem was eliminated. Plus, how is electricity even a concern? 5 star hotels where players stay get electricity 24/7. Grounds get electricity and have hige back up generators to help out.

Crowds not coming doesnt impact teams. If so, than most countries wouldnt had played in uae.

Making comments just for the sake.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

It sounds like he is making excuses before he has properly started.

It also sounds a bit unfeasible that someone would paste articles about players leaving hotels, electricity problems and terrorism on bulletin boards at the ICC.

 

[mastimasti]

Dumb statements, just shows how clueless he is about the country.

Tourism is improving in the country. Yes it was maybe bad during terrorism times but now it is improving.

Electricity problems? Under cpec this problem was eliminated. Plus, how is electricity even a concern? 5 star hotels where players stay get electricity 24/7. Grounds get electricity and have hige back up generators to help out.

Crowds not coming doesnt impact teams. If so, than most countries wouldnt had played in uae.

Making comments just for the sake.

I was in a five star hotel in hyderabad India, right in the heart of high tec city and I faced two power cuts, so it's not a problem unusual in Asia.

Seems like your board is making excuses...yet the excuses don't even make sense as a World XI featuring some of the best t20 cricketers at the time have toured, top class players have played in the Pak leg of the PSL.

Why is the PCB and maybe the country as a whole looking to consistently shoot itself in the foot?

 

[MenInG]

Very negative statement by CE!

Surely that is NOT the way to sell a good image of your country?

 

[Last Monetarist]

Very negative statement by CE!

Surely that is NOT the way to sell a good image of your country?

Think it's fine as the statement was aimed at a domestic audience, and it highlights the challenge ahead for the PCB. Anyone that works with international investors and stakeholders can attest to the accuracy of the perception. It's up to the PCB to convince international teams that the country is safe and open for business.

 

[MenInG]

Think it's fine as the statement was aimed at a domestic audience, and it highlights the challenge ahead for the PCB. Anyone that works with international investors and stakeholders can attest to the accuracy of the perception. It's up to the PCB to convince international teams that the country is safe and open for business.

Agreed but its the headlines that are going out. Should be careful in the way its said as most people will not listen/watch the video of his presser.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Agreed but its the headlines that are going out. Should be careful in the way its said as most people will not listen/watch the video of his presser.

Ramiz will likely have a word with him to be less honest with the media in the future.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Pakistan Cricket Board's newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Faisal Hasnain has insisted that the country's perception around the world ‘is not good’, which makes it difficult for other countries to send their best teams to Pakistan. Hasnain, who has earlier worked as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with the International Cricket Council (ICC), also revealed that the discussions about Pakistan cricket in the “corridors” have largely been negative.

Hasnain took part in his first press conference since being made the CEO of PCB, and he was joined alongside chairman Ramiz Raja.

“Pakistan's perception is not good. I can be very honest about it; I've worked in the ICC and with Zimbabwe cricket, so I know the discussions which take place in the corridors about Pakistan cricket. Pakistan's perception and reputation is a problem,” said Hasnain.

“This is something which is, unfortunately, impacting Pakistan, not only in sports but also other fields like tourism and economy. This perception has to be removed and we all have to play a role in that.”

The PCB CEO further revealed that on a number of occasions, articles with negative reportage on Pakistan cricket were pasted on ICC notice boards.

“Negative reporting is only impacting Pakistan's overseas reputation. When I was in ICC, there were certain articles about Pakistan cricket that used to be put on ICC notice boards, and it was pointed out that this was an issue in this country," said Hasnain.

“Things like 'It's a dangerous country', 'There are electricity problems in Pakistan', 'Crowds are not in the stadiums', 'Players can't get out from their hotel rooms..' All of this is going to negatively impact the teams.”

Pakistan recently hosted West Indies for a three-match T20I series. The ODI series – which was also a part of the original schedule – was canceled following multiple Covid cases in the West Indian camp.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...put-on-icc-notice-boards-101640159492657.html

This is an extremely negative mindset by the new guy.
Also, why he did not protest against those notices when he was part of ICC.

 

[MenInG]

Seems our friends from India having a ball with this.

 

[Oneking]

Lmao
So he made a example out of himself

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Seems our friends from India having a ball with this.

View attachment 113794

He should be sacked immediately.

 

[Buffet]

Perception and reputation issues can't be fixed by PCB. It is beyond them.

 

[Savak]

Dumb statements, just shows how clueless he is about the country.

Tourism is improving in the country. Yes it was maybe bad during terrorism times but now it is improving.

Electricity problems? Under cpec this problem was eliminated. Plus, how is electricity even a concern? 5 star hotels where players stay get electricity 24/7. Grounds get electricity and have hige back up generators to help out.

Crowds not coming doesnt impact teams. If so, than most countries wouldnt had played in uae.

Making comments just for the sake.

He is only relaying the perception at the ICC and the Western Boards about Pakistan.

 

[Zeshan547]

He is only relaying the perception at the ICC and the Western Boards about Pakistan.

And how that help the cause and objective of his job?

 

[sweep_shot]

These statements seem quite pessimist/negative.

Does he have some type of grudge?

 

[muqarrab]

Pakistan Cricket Board's newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Faisal Hasnain has insisted that the country's perception around the world ‘is not good’, which makes it difficult for other countries to send their best teams to Pakistan. Hasnain, who has earlier worked as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with the International Cricket Council (ICC), also revealed that the discussions about Pakistan cricket in the “corridors” have largely been negative.

Hasnain took part in his first press conference since being made the CEO of PCB, and he was joined alongside chairman Ramiz Raja.

“Pakistan's perception is not good. I can be very honest about it; I've worked in the ICC and with Zimbabwe cricket, so I know the discussions which take place in the corridors about Pakistan cricket. Pakistan's perception and reputation is a problem,” said Hasnain.

“This is something which is, unfortunately, impacting Pakistan, not only in sports but also other fields like tourism and economy. This perception has to be removed and we all have to play a role in that.”

The PCB CEO further revealed that on a number of occasions, articles with negative reportage on Pakistan cricket were pasted on ICC notice boards.

“Negative reporting is only impacting Pakistan's overseas reputation. When I was in ICC, there were certain articles about Pakistan cricket that used to be put on ICC notice boards, and it was pointed out that this was an issue in this country," said Hasnain.

“Things like 'It's a dangerous country', 'There are electricity problems in Pakistan', 'Crowds are not in the stadiums', 'Players can't get out from their hotel rooms..' All of this is going to negatively impact the teams.”

Pakistan recently hosted West Indies for a three-match T20I series. The ODI series – which was also a part of the original schedule – was canceled following multiple Covid cases in the West Indian camp.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...put-on-icc-notice-boards-101640159492657.html

Wow incredibly daft. Not what you would want to hear from a CEO.

 

[offstump]

Not sure what the uproar here is about this is. These aren’t his views, he’s identifying a problem that exists and has clearly said the pcb has a role to play in changing this perception. This is actually a good thing as it shows he’s not living in a bubble assuming everything is great.

 

[shujaatraza]

Not sure what the uproar here is about this is. These aren’t his views, he’s identifying a problem that exists and has clearly said the pcb has a role to play in changing this perception. This is actually a good thing as it shows he’s not living in a bubble assuming everything is great.

Do you think it was wise of him to say all this out loudly at his very first press conference and probably his first week in the new job as well? If yes then he should also come out and present the plan he has to resolve the problems he stated.

 

[Markhor]

Hasnain sounds blunt but is being real. Pakistan of 2021 is not the Pakistan of 2011, but a negative international image persists for a variety of reasons.

Despite anti-state groups like TTP being largely neutralised, Pakistan still has a problem with religious fundamentalism. Far-right parties like TLP have ground cities to a halt, rioting and kidnapping policemen while various Govts appease them. The mob lynching of a Sri Lankan man in Sialkot where people were filming themselves next to a blazing corpse isn't going to endear Pakistan to potential tourists either.

Yes Pakistan doesn't have a copyright on religious fundamentalism as recent years in India show, but Pakistan doesn't have the economic or diplomatic leverage to counter the negative image.

It may seem there's a double standard. England still hosted CT17 after three terrorist attacks, but Pakistan is the only cricket nation where a team was directly attacked. Therefore the risk threshold is perceived to be higher - hence why Kiwis went packing after a vague threat.

Instead of emotional blackmail and cliched rhetoric ("we are a cricket starved/peace loving nation") or living in denial like the PM ("Pakistan doesn't need a soft image" - it's better to honestly admit one's shortcomings like Hasnain has to begin addressing them.

 

[offstump]

Do you think it was wise of him to say all this out loudly at his very first press conference and probably his first week in the new job as well? If yes then he should also come out and present the plan he has to resolve the problems he stated.

It was neither wise nor unwise, he simply spoke the truth and wants to change the perception other countries have of Pakistan. Now that he’s mentioned this he can be held accountable for whatever plan he comes up with to address it.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Seems he is simply giving his honest opinion about what he has assessed and heard during his time in ICC. Don't see what the big problem is here or what he has said that is so controversial. Most of the things he has said bear a lot of merit.

If things really were so positive than we would be a top-tier team that teams would want to play against, and think twice before cancelling a tour on. But that isn't really the case is it? And for a supposedly "cricket-mad country" attendance in Pakistan's two biggest stadiums seems to rarely be above 35-40% even for T20 matches...which are supposed to appeal to the highest number of people.

He seems like professional and honestly I'd prefer someone who is critical of the failures and cognizant of everything that needs to be improved on, rather than someone who thinks everything is a-okay and is content with just taking a backseat.

 

[Shariq7]

I feel that the public statements of a CEO of an organization should benefit the organization. Therefore, if Hasnain feels that his comments about Pakistan's negative perception help the PCB somehow, he made the right choice.

 

[Shah]

He is being honest and he is identifying areas of concern. Unless we acknowledge the problems, how can they be rectified? It is true that there is a negative perception in overseas countries about Pakistan and you can deny it all you want but it is still there. Hasnain did say that "This perception has to be removed and we all have to play a role in that.” I think that this is a very positive and intelligent approach.

This guy is the real deal with a tremendous amount of experience and respect within ICC circles as well as unbelievable contacts with other boards who he has worked with as a senior ICC executive over the years.
Please give him a chance to succeed and improve not only Pakistan's image but also Pakistan's cricket fortunes.

 

[Saj]

Surprising considering these are his first comments in public.

 

[cricketjoshila]

So he has acknowledged the problems. Atleast now he can try to fix it, though most of them are beyond him.

But atleast he knows the problem and isnt living in denial.

 

[Sycamore]

This is a classic case of everyone taking his comments out of context.

He was asked what are the challenges facing Pakistan cricket according to you by a reporter.

He said It will take time for me to answer that question but sitting outside , and being part of ICC , the image of Pakistan is .... . What did he say wrong ? That is the image of Pakistan currently , was he meant to lie and say ICC employees sing praises of Pakistan ?

Please watch the press conference before getting the pitchforks out for the guy. You need genuine passionate people because those that lie and grin and paint rosy pictures are the main culprits behind the decline.

 

[ARK Rafay]

Perception and Reputation issue exist but that doesn't mean that the perception among other countries about Pakistan is correct. There is plenty of Propaganda as well. He didn't conveyed his message properly.

For example the pull out from New Zealand sent some doubts on some countries minds about Pakistan again but our board stood up somewhat. Have to be stronger than that. But there are things, including reputation of the country that is beyond PCB's control.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Doesn't make sense, all very comfortable going to BD. I think it's the Indian lobby to blame.

 

[Sir-fraz]

Hasnain sounds blunt but is being real. Pakistan of 2021 is not the Pakistan of 2011, but a negative international image persists for a variety of reasons.

Despite anti-state groups like TTP being largely neutralised, Pakistan still has a problem with religious fundamentalism. Far-right parties like TLP have ground cities to a halt, rioting and kidnapping policemen while various Govts appease them. The mob lynching of a Sri Lankan man in Sialkot where people were filming themselves next to a blazing corpse isn't going to endear Pakistan to potential tourists either.

Yes Pakistan doesn't have a copyright on religious fundamentalism as recent years in India show, but Pakistan doesn't have the economic or diplomatic leverage to counter the negative image.

It may seem there's a double standard. England still hosted CT17 after three terrorist attacks, but Pakistan is the only cricket nation where a team was directly attacked. Therefore the risk threshold is perceived to be higher - hence why Kiwis went packing after a vague threat.

Instead of emotional blackmail and cliched rhetoric ("we are a cricket starved/peace loving nation") or living in denial like the PM ("Pakistan doesn't need a soft image" - it's better to honestly admit one's shortcomings like Hasnain has to begin addressing them.

Seems like your the only level headed one here. All the pakistanis have a very heavily biased point of view.

Lets be honest, im a canadian pakistani, would i ever want to go to pakistan if i wasnt? Hell to the no i wouldnt.

Same with india. Mob lynching, far right religious violence, domestic terrorism is ripe in the subcontinent ..

The murder of the sri lankan person not the first time.

Im selling all my plots there.. not even worth keeping, who knows when they country will implode.

 

[shah_1]

His comments about pitches were super lame and cringeworthy. Teams aren't coming to Pakistan because of poor pitches. ) . Gaddafi has substandard pitches but Karachi and Pindi pitches are result oriented.

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

The first step to resolve a problem is to admit that there is a problem. What the CEO Faizal has said is true and is fairly known. However, he should also come up with possible ways of fixing this issue.

 

[The Googly]

Won’t over-analyse based on a single statement.
No harm done either.

But I hope it doesn’t become a habit. Not airing your dirty washing in public is a key principle of management.

 

[MenInG]

The message needs to be clear and should not include any headliners - this is where PCB media guys need to step in.

 

[gazza619]

Very negative statement by CE!

Surely that is NOT the way to sell a good image of your country?

Absolutely.

Highly unprofessional to take out your dirty laundry in public.

 

[shamaan]

Absolutely.

Highly unprofessional to take out your dirty laundry in public.

This is what we deserve after what they did to Wasim Khan

 

[MenInG]

He needs to listen to what Greg Chappell said - that is how you get teams here.

 

[Napa]

I was in a five star hotel in hyderabad India, right in the heart of high tec city and I faced two power cuts, so it's not a problem unusual in Asia.

Seems like your board is making excuses...yet the excuses don't even make sense as a World XI featuring some of the best t20 cricketers at the time have toured, top class players have played in the Pak leg of the PSL.

Why is the PCB and maybe the country as a whole looking to consistently shoot itself in the foot?

How long were the power cuts? I thought a hotel would have a backup generator.

 

[cricketjoshila]

How long were the power cuts? I thought a hotel would have a backup generator.

Esp a 5 star hotel.

 

[James]

He should be sacked immediately.

Not sure about this, it does seem like it was quite naive though and a big faux pas.

 

[Vildoc]

Esp a 5 star hotel.

What Faisal hasnain told is the reality. You have to face the truth however bitter it is. For e.g some Pakistan players along with their PCB chief were thrown out of a 5 star and had out bags lying on the road. they then shifted to a 3 star hotel.

 

[Tera Gawaandi]

Maybe make him watch Ted Lasso on Apple TV+