Javed Miandad makes bold statement about Pakistan cricket’s structure

During the regime of the former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan changed the structure of its domestic cricket. They shifted from departmental to regional structure. The change seemed logical in terms of offering better career paths to players and revival of local rivalries. However, with time passing the faults in the plan have started to come to the forefront. The lack of a proper transition plan from departments to regions has left the local players wanting and many of them are struggling to make ends meet.

Many players in the current scheme of things and also former players have raised their concerns regarding the shift in Pakistan’s cricket structure. One of those speaking about the shift in structure is the former Pakistani batter and legend Javed Miandad. He has stated that the current structure might lead to an increase in match-fixing in Pakistan.

“End of departmental cricket has reduced sources of income for cricketers which could lead to match-fixing. Lack of income will force players to adopt illegal means to earn money,”- said Miandad in a conversation with the Daily Express.

Miandad also urged the authorities to restore departmental cricket in the country. “Departmental cricket gives income security to players which allows them to focus on the game. I have raised my voice for the restoration of departmental cricket in the past and will continue to do so until it is done,”- Miandad added.

The 64-year-old also highlighted the role of departments in Pakistan’s cricket.

“Departmental cricket has played a major role in our cricket and its importance should be considered similar to England’s County cricket. It also helped us become world champions,”-the Pakistani legend added.

Meanwhile, it is expected that after the change of regime in Pakistan, departmental cricket will be restored in Pakistan under the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif. However, no official notification regarding the development has yet been released.