PCB must also give some important to side-games for home Test series

[MenInG]

I understand that with the Sri Lanka series, the need is to get the Test matches played on Pakistan tour.

But as we look towards the next home series, PCB needs to start paying attention to the side-games of these tours.

These are the games that benefit the tourists as it allows them to get used to local conditions, but far more importantly are essential for fringe players to get a chance to experience top-level cricket vs a foreign side.

Quite often, a player previously discarded by the selectors can make a mark in these games and be brought in for the Test matches.

 

[moghul]

Absolutely, side games are very important for the players knocking at the test door. In the past a good performance in a side match ( mostly at Pindi club ground ) against a touring team would take the a young player to the national side. Miandad, Wsim Akram, Mohsin Khan and many other graduated to become test players after centuries or 5fer in a side game.

 

[JibranAnsari]

May be in the next 3 4 years , at the moment the focus is to invite teams to tour for a couple of weeks.

 

[coy0607]

Depending on the cost of hosting these matches, with the added security and the disruption of the local economy, I’m not sure how feasible tour matches will be. Might be a while till we start seeing those

 

[angrypathan]

For now I assume non Asian teams might spend some time at the ICC Academy in Dubai to try and acclimatise a bit before flying to Pakistan. Long term goal of course should be to host warm up games in Pakistan

 

[Hawkeye]

Yes.

But too many sec issues. Won't happen in a few years.

Entire (or most of the) city is in a lockdown whenever the team has to travel to the ground.

 

[MenInG]

Yes.

But too many sec issues. Won't happen in a few years.

Entire (or most of the) city is in a lockdown whenever the team has to travel to the ground.

Maybe hold those games in dubai?

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Maybe hold those games in dubai?

UAE has to be kept off the table permanently. Players will not want to leave for Pakistan and it really sets up a bad comparison.

Its like travelling to London then straight to Lahore. Or viewing a really nice car then buying a banger.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Maybe hold those games in dubai?

Will defeat the purpose. I agree about the need of practice games but they should all be in Pakistan.

 

[MenInG]

Will defeat the purpose. I agree about the need of practice games but they should all be in Pakistan.

I mean as in so that the fringe players get chances too. Slowly we can get those games back too.

so a 3-day game in Dubai before the series may not be that expensive as its played in ICC academy ground

 

[zoeyfactor]

I have always wondered that why PCB doesn't hold side games as other nations do? It's a must.

 

[CricketingMinds]

Didn't Asif perform really well vs Eng in 2004-2005 series in side matches (Eng tour of Pak) and due to that performance he was later considered in the squad?

 

[MenInG]

Didn't Asif perform really well vs Eng in 2004-2005 series in side matches (Eng tour of Pak) and due to that performance he was later considered in the squad?

Very good example.

 

[CricketingMinds]

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...i-tour-match-england-tour-of-pakistan-2005-06

Yep. Found it

 

[andy0204]

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...i-tour-match-england-tour-of-pakistan-2005-06

Yep. Found it

What a performance against one of the best batting line-ups of that time by Asif.
Pity that he was interested on money.

 

[Fahdi]

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...i-tour-match-england-tour-of-pakistan-2005-06

Yep. Found it

Wow! Asif owned England in that game.

 

[MenInG]

Wow! Asif owned England in that game.

Prime example of why we need these games.

 

[Titan24]

Definitely a must going forward. Hopefully with more teams touring and PSL taking place full tours with side games will be able to take place soon.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

I understand that with the Sri Lanka series, the need is to get the Test matches played on Pakistan tour.

But as we look towards the next home series, PCB needs to start paying attention to the side-games of these tours.

These are the games that benefit the tourists as it allows them to get used to local conditions, but far more importantly are essential for fringe players to get a chance to experience top-level cricket vs a foreign side.

Quite often, a player previously discarded by the selectors can make a mark in these games and be brought in for the Test matches.

I regularly see India play these against the likes of South Africa and Australia. Although I understand it’s important that cricket come to pakistan, we must also focus on these A tours to develop and find talent and please for the love of God stop sending a full strength team to these tours. I’d certainly like to see how Zeeshan ashraf, tabish Khan, Zeeshan malik, Imran butt, saud shakeel and saad ali do.