Playing domestic cricket is now "mandatory" for selection in Pakistan team: PCB

In the wake of the Green Shirts' disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has implemented a new policy requiring players to participate in domestic cricket to be eligible for selection in the national squad.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi convened a meeting in Lahore on Monday and reached this decision following widespread criticism of the cricket body's management for biased selection practices.

The board also decided to develop a strategy for reviewing the contracts of domestic players. 

Naqvi maintained that the board will invest in the talent and tournaments will be organised from club level to national level to promote cricket at the grassroots.

“One of the best coaches will be hired for professional-style grooming of players, which will bridge the gap between national and international stage,” he said.

The meeting evaluated domestic cricket structures in India, Australia, England, and New Zealand.

Domestic cricket coaches will undergo intensive training  by a master coach while players will be selected purely based on their performance and fitness.

The match between the USA and Ireland on June 14 was cancelled due to rain and a wet outfield. This left Pakistan with fewer points on the table than the USA, resulting in their elimination from the T20 World Cup. 

Pakistan lost their opening T20 World Cup match in a major upset on June 6. The debutants, USA, defeated the Green Shirts in a thrilling super over finish. 

In their second match, Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat against India in the mega event on June 9, failing to chase down the lowest target of 120 runs and collapsing in the batting department.

However, Baba-XI secured a victory against Canada by defeating them by 7 wickets on June 11 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

Pakistan's poor performance in their first three matches, coupled with a low run rate, left them with insufficient points on the table.