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PM Shehbaz Sharif restores departmental sports in Pakistan

What in your view is the timeline for this? What happens when GEs take place and Sharifs have no say in the matter and the new Gov rolls back this decision.

This decision is eye-candy. There is no way to implement this in the short term

Yup the time line is terrible and maybe such a decision should had been taken after general election. Because now what happens is that if department comes back for current season, and by next season pti decides against it, the departments and the players are gonna suffer. They will be in a case of limbo.

While i support departmental cricket, however its a decision that should be taken when its confirmed that one has long term power so that it doesnt reverse.

I agree, terrible timing and this will do more damage to pak cricket than any good.
 
The kids from streets have no chance of playing for any departmental team.The players will be selected through nepotism or sifarash.Most of state companies are under huge debt,they don’t make any profit so why are they going to pay money to cricketers who are doing nothing for the company.

In no industry do kids from streets get jobs. Ever dept requires the right networking.

Players that play for departments are those that have made a name for themselves in the city and have got good networks through cricket.

Companies that invest in sports they get a tax relief from the govt. Companies like SNGPL and UBL pay their players handsomely.
 
Companies that invest in sports they get a tax relief from the govt. Companies like SNGPL and UBL pay their players handsomely.

UBL, HBL and few other private sector corporations already dissolved their teams before the new structure came into being.

Doubt they will be forming cricket teams again. Yes govt owned companies like SNGPL, WAPDA etc might form their teams again but, don’t think would be enough to create a domestic structure on their own. At most grade II FC cricket can be formed with them.

Regional structure already in place has a lot invested in it and they have proper structure from junior level to 2nd XI and senior teams.

Departmental cricket can be used to complement that in different part of the season allowing some players to get more games to come into limelight and young ones to develop.

Half baked departmental structure with number of teams dissolved and having not much interest to form teams again rather want to be sponsors independently would be pretty poor structure to have. Potential future threats from changing govts aside.

Best solution I can think of is hybrid. Where PCB owned regional FC structure remains while departmental cricket can operate in different part of the year as grade two and a 2nd feeder alongside 2nd xi and junior teams, while players can have their departmental contracts as well.
 
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The Pakistani govt needs to give serious tax break, incentives to companies to sponsor sportsmen and regional teams
 
Great decision. Thank god department is back..

SNGPL made a great team and Imran had destroyed it. Would love to see SNGPL back to action.

Many cricketers will be getting their jobs back hopefully by this.

Can’t wait to support HBL vs SNGPL!!! Been a lifelong fan of HBL and made my first bank account in Pakistan at a HBL branch!!
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Restoration of the departments in cricket & sports in general by the Government is a welcome decision for cricketers. This is something that we all wanted as departments support cricketers much more than regional cricket/sponsors.</p>— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1562813512706973703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Here we go!!! We can see over-aged and over-hyped players like Sajid Ali will filled with all teams. No chances for the junior players unless they have powerful fathers. They better look overseas to hsve some career.
 
Really can't wait until Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited vs K-Electric.


Well done and kudos to everyone who thinks that should be our first class structure. Hats off to you. Bravo.
 
Instead of making sure deserving cricketers get places in teams by going through a proper pathway, we are going to create a mass charity.
 
Instead of making sure deserving cricketers get places in teams by going through a proper pathway, we are going to create a mass charity.

Not only charity, some people make money on the side to give some uncles to these useless leagues. Win win for uncles and PM but looser will be Pakistan Cricket.
 
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If these banks are willing to run their own teams then why not sponsor the regional teams? What's wrong with having the PIA Northerns or HBL Sindh?
 
If these banks are willing to run their own teams then why not sponsor the regional teams? What's wrong with having the PIA Northerns or HBL Sindh?

Honestly, this feels like almost common sense. I wonder why they haven’t considered this option
 
No discussion in BoG session about this - seems people being taken for a ride.
 
All our ex players including ex greats support departmental cricket and its restoration and chances given to young players.

Only ones against this are non cricketers mainly pti fan boys living abroad who only are against because the messiah believes in a ridiculous Australian system that will simply fail to function and deliver for Pakistan cricket .

The only reason the australian system is going on because we have a pti ******* in raja as chairman but he is on borrowed time the team will be most likely be exposed in Australia.
 
This picture on social media of notification

Note KRL etc mentioned, PCB ccd

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All our ex players including ex greats support departmental cricket and its restoration and chances given to young players.

Only ones against this are non cricketers mainly pti fan boys living abroad who only are against because the messiah believes in a ridiculous Australian system that will simply fail to function and deliver for Pakistan cricket .

The only reason the australian system is going on because we have a pti ******* in raja as chairman but he is on borrowed time the team will be most likely be exposed in Australia.
Ok mate as you know so much about departmental nonsense cricket, tell me the name of one product of departmental cricket who played for Pakistan? Have you actually even been to a cricket ground when departments are playing? Do you even know how many people watch this joke of a format? Dept cricket is actually the hub of corruption. I guess that suits your masters.

Just because you were born in an era when Pakistan was crap at cricket, that does not mean that this was due to the closure of dept cricket.
 
LAHORE: A letter of the Ministry of Inter-provincial Coordination (IPC), issued on the instructions of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Friday, to several government departments including the Pakistan Cricket Board caused confusion as it needs clarity as far as the PCB is concerned in restoring departmental cricket, which was suspended in 2019 on the instructions of then PM Imran Khan.

The said letter issued by the IPC ministry after receiving Shahbaz’s instructions asked all the government departments to continue financing their sports departments as the previous order issued by then PM Imran on 2.9.2021 is suspended.

However PCB’s case, unlike other sports bodies, is quite different as here departments have to bear all expenses in building and fielding their teams in the national-level cricket events like the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy, National One-day Cup and T20 Cups and therefore they do not put any financial burden on the PCB, under its 2014 Constitution.

Moreover, departmental cricket was not suspended in the wake of then PM’s order issued on 2.9.2021, instead it was abolished when the new PCB constitution, which replaced the 2014 Constitution, was implemented by the federal government on Aug 19, 2019.

On the other hand, other departments like Wapda, Railways, Sui Southern Gas Company, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, ZTBL and KRL have to field their teams in national-level tournaments with their own financial resources.

The PCB, which only provides a platform for departmental cricket in national tournaments, has no such duties.

In order to restore departmental cricket, PM Shahbaz as PCB patron-in-chief has to bring in a new constitution. The game’s organisers across the country have been demanding restoration of PCB’s constitution of 2014 which can automatically restore departmental cricket.

A significant number of cricketers lost their jobs when the PCB disaffiliated all the departments to bring in provincial-level cricket on Aug 19, 2019.
 
Honorary PM needs to stop worrying about cricket and let PCB run the affairs. There are more pressing matters for the diligent PM to deal with.
 
All our ex players including ex greats support departmental cricket and its restoration and chances given to young players.

Only ones against this are non cricketers mainly pti fan boys living abroad who only are against because the messiah believes in a ridiculous Australian system that will simply fail to function and deliver for Pakistan cricket .

The only reason the australian system is going on because we have a pti ******* in raja as chairman but he is on borrowed time the team will be most likely be exposed in Australia.

Give it a rest. You know much cricket as you do about politics
 
The Management Committee was informed 19 departments, which featured in the PCB Domestic Season 2018-19, have confirmed their participation in the PCB Domestic Season 2023-24. These are: Ahmed Glass, Ghani Glass, Haider Traders, HEC, Income Tax, Khayaban-e-Amin, KRL, Navy, NBP, ODGCL, PAF, Pak Saudi International, Pakistan Customs, PTV, Sabir's Poultry, SNGPL, SSGC, State Bank of Pakistan and WAPDA. In addition, 12 new departments have applied for registration with the PCB, which are: 505 Clothing, Aryan Marketing Services, Commoners' Development (Pvt) Ltd, Defence & Strategic Ventures (DSV), Eshaal Association, JDW Sugar Mills Ltd, K&H Traders, NICON Group of Colleges, Pak PWD, Punjab Police, Rahat & Shuja Impex and RMS Global Corp.

· The Management Committee approved the upcoming youth cricket tours, which will see Pakistan U19 touring Bangladesh in May for a four-dayer, five 50-over matches and one T20, and Pakistan Shaheens visiting Zimbabwe for a series of four-dayers and 50-over matches. The Management Committee was also informed an ACC Emerging Cup was scheduled in Sri Lanka in June/July. Further details on these tours will be shared in due course.

· The PCB Management Committee applauded the PCB on the resounding success of the HBL PSL 8 to date, which has attracted full houses in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, and nearly 70 per cent crowd turnout in Karachi. The Committee was briefed that the event had earned a reported TRP of 11, which in broadcast terms is rated as excellent and outstanding, while the available digital numbers were unprecedented. The Management Committee appreciated the quality of cricket played in the tournament and congratulated the curators for preparing typical T20 pitches that allowed the spectators to thoroughly enjoy the matches and also stretch the players to their limits.

· The PCB Management Committee was briefed on the three Women’s League exhibition matches in Rawalpindi, which were participated by 10 players from seven countries, and proved to be an overwhelming success. Amazons beat Super Women by 2-1, but more importantly, the foreign and local players expressed their delight on the playing facilities, arrangements, hospitality and series promotion. The foreign players also showed tremendous interest in participating in the Pakistan Women’s League. The Committee was informed the PCB was working on the structure and composition of the women’s league after incredible interest from the potential buyers and event hosts, including from abroad.

· The PCB Management Committee was informed age-group cricket commenced across the country on 12 March with U13 and U16 inter-region matches taking place in Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Islamabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Sheikhupura. The events started after more than 40,000 children participated in the initial open trials, while the players were selected following age verification and wrist testing, which was outsourced, thus, making the selection process more transparent and open.

· There was a discussion on the ACC Asia Cup and participation in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and various options were explored. Chair of the PCB Management Committee, Mr Najam Sethi, will attend the ICC meetings from 18-20 March and the ACC Executive Council later in Dubai.

· The Tournament Evaluation Committee to assess, review and approve event requests from private organisers/entrepreneurs was confirmed. The committee comprises: Mr Najam Sethi (Chair, PCB Management Committee), Mr Shakil Sheikh (Chair of Domestic Committee), Mr Haroon Rashid (Chair of Selection Committee), along with members from the PCB Domestic, Commercial and Anti-Corruption/Security Departments.

· The Management Committee discussed and agreed on the procedure to appoint four regional and four departmental representatives to the Members of the Board Governors in line with the mechanism provided in the PCB Constitution 2014. It was also agreed the PCB will support and facilitate the regional and district cricket associations in progressively setting up their offices.

· The PCB reverted the nomenclature of the National High Performance Centre to its original name, National Cricket Academy, on the recommendation of the Management Committee.
 
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Haha what a joke our cricket is.

Do Sabir's Poultry have any merch I can buy ?
 
This is probably the starting of the end for Pakistan Test cricket. How will they ensure that the this department cricket is going to be at a high standard with good pitches? We saw the absolute rubbish pitches they were playing on before and at least the standard of cricket was improved with the new system that was scheduled, played on proper wickets and was even streamed.

We will once again see the prominence of truddlers like Sadaf Hussain and batsman that are driven to defensive shots only due to awful low and seaming wickets (Azhar Ali, Sami Aslam, Usman Salahuddin). One of the major reasons why we saw such a standard decrease was due to department cricket and we know that it does not make cricketers for International Test cricket. Dark day for Pakistan cricket but at least low standard village cricketers have jobs now!
 
JDW Sugar Mills Ltd v Sabir's Poultry. That is going to be HUGE.

Well done Sethi
 
What i have heard Najam Sethi is requesting the departments to have their own employees, salary structure, coaching staff but to name their departments after a city
 
Haha can't wait to watch the blockboster contests between WAPDA and Sabir's poultry.
I'd rather follow my local Saturday 3s club league in England than this joke.
 
ICC needs to kick PCB and Pakistan in the rear for this clown show where whoever the ruling party is in the country, they just appoints their personal cronies every election and the entire constitution and structure of the current regime is flipped on its head.

I don’t care which constitution is used ultimately, but this is pure chaos. Every few years, new laws, new policies, new structures? No business or governing body can survive like that.

The chaos in the PCB structure is represented in all other areas of our cricket, be it selection, state of our stadiums and even the performances of the team.

Enough is enough. ICC needs to tap in and force PCB to operate separately
 
LAHORE: Finally, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to take on board the real stakeholders of the game in order to prepare the 2023-24 domestic structure, which presently is in the doldrums.

It is learnt that PCB Interim Management Committee (IMC) chairman Zaka Ashraf has called on elected presidents of all the regional cricket associations to attend a meeting being held here on Wednesday to give their input.

It may be mentioned here that recently former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq — who was later named head of the Cricket Technical Committee (CTC) — along with other ex-skippers Mohammad Hafeez and Rashid Latif held a meeting in Lahore where the three players discussed the formation of the country’s domestic structure.

However, they could not develop consensus having different opinions over the number of regional teams which should be the part of country’s first-class cricket.


Hafeez and Inzamam-ul-Haq, another former skipper, were later named as CTC members. However after being appointed as the chief selector on Monday, Inzamam withdrew his name as member of the CTC.

The domestic structure is being reverted to the PCB constitution of 2014 instead of 2019. Under the 2014 constitution, eight top regional teams and as many departments were to compete in domestic first-class cricket.

However, as the old domestic system is being revived after a four-year suspension — from 2019 to 2023 when six provincial teams were allowed to play first-class cricket — a new formation is being planned to

make Pakistan’s domestic season more productive and competitive.
 
PCB takes Regional Presidents into confidence before new Domestic Structure

Lahore, 10 August 2023:

In a significant development for Pakistan cricket, the Domestic Regional Presidents met Pakistan Cricket Board Management Committee Chairperson Mr. Zaka Ashraf to discuss the upcoming domestic structure. The meeting, which was held in a cordial manner at the PCB’s headquarters on Wednesday highlighted the collaboration and shared commitment of all stakeholders to enhance the domestic cricket landscape in the country.

The regional presidents, representing various cricketing regions across Pakistan, expressed their utmost confidence in the proposed changes to the domestic structure that the PCB is set to implement and will announce later today. The meeting provided a platform for open dialogue and comprehensive discussions on the workings of the new domestic framework, focusing on its potential to nurture and elevate cricket talent at the grassroots level.

Separately, the recently appointed Cricket Technical Committee (CTC), led by former captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez as member presented an in-depth briefing to the regional presidents at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Junaid Zia, Acting Director – Domestic Cricket Operations, and also the ex-officio member of the CTC briefed the members on the key components and features of the new domestic structure, emphasising its intent to streamline and refine the player development pathway.

Zaka Ashraf: “I firmly believe that the heart and soul of cricket in Pakistan lies within our regions. These regions serve as the nurturing grounds for our domestic cricket, where young talents blossom and refine their skills.

“For a considerable span of time, there existed a void, a pause in the proper functioning of our regional setups. However, I am pleased to share that these regions are back in action, and it's a significant leap forward for the sport in our nation.

“I express my gratitude for the support and enthusiasm demonstrated by the Domestic Regional Presidents and highlighted their integral role in driving the transformation of Pakistan cricket. Together, we will witness the rise of cricketing stars who will carry the legacy of Pakistan cricket forward with pride and honour.”

Misbah-ul-Haq addressing the regional presidents said: “I am confident that we can craft a cricketing structure that not only benefits our cricketers but also upholds the interests of all stakeholders involved. Your unwavering support is the foundation upon which this structure will succeed. If we work together, we will build a future that honours the game and the aspirations of countless budding cricketers.”

Mohammad Hafeez addressing the participants said: “Merit is the cornerstone of our approach, ensuring that cricketers and the support staff are recognised and rewarded based on their skills and dedication. This structure is a testament to our collective commitment to provide opportunities for people associated with the game. With your support, we look forward to a brighter and more competitive future for the players.”

During the meeting, the domestic regional presidents extended their gratitude to the PCB for its unwavering commitment to advancing the game within the country. They extended their unconditional support to the PCB. The invitation for the meeting was sent to all regional presidents, while some of the regional presidents couldn’t join the meeting.
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PCB takes Regional Presidents into confidence before new Domestic Structure

Lahore, 10 August 2023:

In a significant development for Pakistan cricket, the Domestic Regional Presidents met Pakistan Cricket Board Management Committee Chairperson Mr. Zaka Ashraf to discuss the upcoming domestic structure. The meeting, which was held in a cordial manner at the PCB’s headquarters on Wednesday highlighted the collaboration and shared commitment of all stakeholders to enhance the domestic cricket landscape in the country.

The regional presidents, representing various cricketing regions across Pakistan, expressed their utmost confidence in the proposed changes to the domestic structure that the PCB is set to implement and will announce later today. The meeting provided a platform for open dialogue and comprehensive discussions on the workings of the new domestic framework, focusing on its potential to nurture and elevate cricket talent at the grassroots level.

Separately, the recently appointed Cricket Technical Committee (CTC), led by former captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez as member presented an in-depth briefing to the regional presidents at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Junaid Zia, Acting Director – Domestic Cricket Operations, and also the ex-officio member of the CTC briefed the members on the key components and features of the new domestic structure, emphasising its intent to streamline and refine the player development pathway.

Zaka Ashraf: “I firmly believe that the heart and soul of cricket in Pakistan lies within our regions. These regions serve as the nurturing grounds for our domestic cricket, where young talents blossom and refine their skills.

“For a considerable span of time, there existed a void, a pause in the proper functioning of our regional setups. However, I am pleased to share that these regions are back in action, and it's a significant leap forward for the sport in our nation.

“I express my gratitude for the support and enthusiasm demonstrated by the Domestic Regional Presidents and highlighted their integral role in driving the transformation of Pakistan cricket. Together, we will witness the rise of cricketing stars who will carry the legacy of Pakistan cricket forward with pride and honour.”

Misbah-ul-Haq addressing the regional presidents said: “I am confident that we can craft a cricketing structure that not only benefits our cricketers but also upholds the interests of all stakeholders involved. Your unwavering support is the foundation upon which this structure will succeed. If we work together, we will build a future that honours the game and the aspirations of countless budding cricketers.”

Mohammad Hafeez addressing the participants said: “Merit is the cornerstone of our approach, ensuring that cricketers and the support staff are recognised and rewarded based on their skills and dedication. This structure is a testament to our collective commitment to provide opportunities for people associated with the game. With your support, we look forward to a brighter and more competitive future for the players.”

During the meeting, the domestic regional presidents extended their gratitude to the PCB for its unwavering commitment to advancing the game within the country. They extended their unconditional support to the PCB. The invitation for the meeting was sent to all regional presidents, while some of the regional presidents couldn’t join the meeting.
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We had a system that had started to embed and work. But in their desperation to prove IK wrong ,we are back to the hotchpotch of nothingness. We had 12 teams, and an improvement could have been to increase to 16 teams based around the provinces. Soon we will back to batsman like Tayyab Tahir averaging 25 like he did under the old system or Assad Ali, Rashid Latif, and others uprooting trees at 78mph.
 
Even if we ignore the higher quality cricket the new system produced we can't ignore the increased fan engagement. People had a reason to watch domestic cricket as the teams represented their provinces. Had we let the new system develop for a few more years we could've seen rivalries form, increased desperation to win, increased viewers, teams forming their own culture, players forming a connection with their teams, and more.

Since there were only 6 main teams it gave the media a better opportunity to broadcast matches at a higher quality. Take a look at the views on Youtube. Quaid e Azam Trophy matches reaching views upwards of 500k+ on Youtube, this type of engagement is not possible with the old system.

I know it's a overused joke at this point but I'll say it anyway, no one wants to watch a PIA vs Steel Mills test match.
 
Even if we ignore the higher quality cricket the new system produced we can't ignore the increased fan engagement. People had a reason to watch domestic cricket as the teams represented their provinces. Had we let the new system develop for a few more years we could've seen rivalries form, increased desperation to win, increased viewers, teams forming their own culture, players forming a connection with their teams, and more.

Since there were only 6 main teams it gave the media a better opportunity to broadcast matches at a higher quality. Take a look at the views on Youtube. Quaid e Azam Trophy matches reaching views upwards of 500k+ on Youtube, this type of engagement is not possible with the old system.

I know it's a overused joke at this point but I'll say it anyway, no one wants to watch a PIA vs Steel Mills test match.
Agreed, I'm so much more invested in the current format, I didn't care to follow the old domestic structure. But Sindh vs. Southern Punjab? Yeah I've heard of those places, I can pick a team to support for.

Can't wait to read about people hyping some random batsman because he scored for Sui National Gas Pipelines Ltd against Northeastern Chai Wala Tea Drinkers
 
Agreed, I'm so much more invested in the current format, I didn't care to follow the old domestic structure. But Sindh vs. Southern Punjab? Yeah I've heard of those places, I can pick a team to support for.

Can't wait to read about people hyping some random batsman because he scored for Sui National Gas Pipelines Ltd against Northeastern Chai Wala Tea Drinkers
oh plz, no one supports first class teams whether you name it northern, islamabad or the capitals. This is something we say to convince ourselves.


Our viewing of scorecard doesnt give employment to those cricketers. Department did.
 
oh plz, no one supports first class teams whether you name it northern, islamabad or the capitals. This is something we say to convince ourselves.


Our viewing of scorecard doesnt give employment to those cricketers. Department did.
The purpose of the FC system is twofold; produce good quality cricketers and them produce cricket which closes the gap between FC and International cricket. The Dept system didn't do either.
 
oh plz, no one supports first class teams whether you name it northern, islamabad or the capitals. This is something we say to convince ourselves.


Our viewing of scorecard doesnt give employment to those cricketers. Department did.

PCB is not an employment agency
 
oh plz, no one supports first class teams whether you name it northern, islamabad or the capitals. This is something we say to convince ourselves.


Our viewing of scorecard doesnt give employment to those cricketers. Department did.

Oh my bad I guess if you said nobody supports them then it must be true, must've just imagined the all the domestic games I watched

If the goal is to provide employment, then sure let's open up dozens of departmental teams to give money to cricketers. If the goal is to provide international quality cricketers, stick to fewer regional based teams.
 
As per reports:

SSGC have informed the Pakistan Cricket Board that they’re withdrawing from department’s first-class tournament “President Trophy”.

The tournament is scheduled to start on December 16th. Oter than SSGC, teams from WAPDA, KRL, State Bank, HEC, SNGPL and Ghani Glass were slotted to take part in the 8-team tournament.

A redraw of the schedule is expected soon.
 
As per reports:

SSGC have informed the Pakistan Cricket Board that they’re withdrawing from department’s first-class tournament “President Trophy”.

The tournament is scheduled to start on December 16th. Oter than SSGC, teams from WAPDA, KRL, State Bank, HEC, SNGPL and Ghani Glass were slotted to take part in the 8-team tournament.

A redraw of the schedule is expected soon.
That's a bummer. I was hoping to see the highly anticipated match between State Bank and SSGC, guess I'll have to settle for the WAPDA and Ghani Glass derby.
 
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has put out a notice reinstating departmental sports in the nation, overturning the prohibition from 2019 enforced by the preceding PTI administration.

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