Among other issues, non-inclusion of Saeed Anwar in the test squad against New Zealand has been criticized in an article in a section of the press on April 23. The PCB takes strong exception to this as the Test squad has not yet been announced. The fact is that Saeed Anwar never informed the board about his regaining full fitness, and when at the time of selection of the one-day squad, the doctors were inquired about his state of health, they were categorical in saying that it would take another four weeks for him to fully recover.

Suffice it to say that Saeed Anwar, as and when he regains his fitness, would definitely be under active consideration for selection and would be provided every opportunity to reclaim his place in the side", said a PCB spokesman.

"As far as giving cash incentives when the team wins, the idea is to exhort the boys to keep it up. And offering cash prizes is a practice around the world, not just in cricket but other sports too. In any case, the players are the most important people in any game, and neglecting their financial needs has had grave consequence in the past", said the PCB spokesman.

"The PCB has an ambitious and comprehensive programme of development of cricket across the country under 'Vision 2005', which is going full steam ahead in all spheres, with quite a few tangible accomplishments on the ground. Not a dime for this has come from public money, as each and every rupee was raised through aggressive marketing and efficient management practices of the PCB", said the spokesman.

"The writer has also tried to demean the accomplishments of the Pakistan team over the last two decades, saying that it has just won one World Cup and one Asia Cup title. Only seven editions of the World Cup have been held so far. And how many other nations have not won even one World title? Pakistan's record over the years has really been bright in world cricket. We have beaten India in India twice in succession in a Test series, and England in an away rubber three times. Over the years, Pakistan has also been a consistent performer in Tests and limited-overs cricket. After going through a rebuilding phase, the team is again performing consistently, with potential to improve with every outing. To the extent that it is being taken very seriously, as one of the favorites for the 2003 World Cup" said the PCB spokesman.

Khalid Butt
Media Manager
April 23, 2002

© PCB