PCB soon to have its own security advisor

Karachi:

The authorioties in Pakistan would soon appoint a retired army officer no less than the rank of a Brigadier as security advisor to the Cricket Board with responsibility of chalking out security plans for cricketing events in the country.

Their image as a safe country for sportsperson taking a severe beating after the attack on Sri Lankan cricketers, PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt called a high level meeting in Lahore to discuss the situation of domestic cricket.

According to details, key decisions were taken at the meeting, attended by all top officials and the heads of the senior and junior selection committees plus the heads of the regional cricket associations and departments.

"The new security advisor would set up a permanent security wing in the Board and would be responsible for mapping out security plans for international and domestic matches," one Board official said.

He said the meeting had decided that after the attack on the Sri Lankan team no chance should be taken with security arrangements even for domestic matches particularly the ones in which top players take part.

The meeting also discussed plans to revamp the domestic cricket structure.

"There were comparisons drawn with the way South Africa made it domestic structure more attractive and competitive when they were banned from international cricket due to the country's apartheid policy," an official who attended the meeting said.

He said the general consensus was that until security situation improved in the country and international tours to the country resume, Pakistan board should lay emphasis on revampaing the domestic structure by introducing new short competitive tournaments and make it mandatory for top players to take part in them.

Another proposal was to get broadcasters to telecast live domestic matches.

"It was also decided that all the regional heads will be responsible for selection of the teams for all the domestic tournaments while districts would look after the selection of their own teams," the PCB chairman said.

Previously the PCB used to depute selectors to help in selection matters.

Another matter that came under discussion was to take steps to popularise domestic cricket in the country.

"Efforts are being made to seek the backing and help of TV channels in promoting domestic cricket and we would soon hold meeting with channel officials in this respect," one official stated.