The cricket coaches from the University of Punjab (UP) and Central University of Punjab (UCP) have voiced strong concerns over what they describe as a flawed selection process for the Higher Education Commission (HEC) cricket team, which is set to compete in the Patron’s Trophy First-Class tournament starting this Wednesday.
The coaches have called for a thorough investigation into the matter, urging both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the HEC Chairman to take appropriate action.
Selection Controversy
During a press conference on Monday, UCP coach Akhtar Mumtaz Butt outlined the issues surrounding the selection process for the HEC cricket team.
He revealed that both UCP and UP had performed admirably in the recent inter-varsity cricket tournament in Peshawar, with UCP finishing in second place and UP securing third. Following the event, 33 players were invited to attend the final selection trials.
However, Butt pointed out that the trials were held in Karachi, far from the locations of Peshawar or Islamabad, where the HEC’s head office is located.
Butt expressed disbelief over the turnout in Karachi, stating that 70 to 80 players showed up for the trials, many of whom had not participated in any of the inter-varsity matches.
Notable Selections Spark Further Doubts
UP coach Mudassar also weighed in on the matter, expressing concerns over what he called questionable selections. A key example he pointed out was Faham-ul-Haq, the son of former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who made the final squad despite not playing a single match in the inter-varsity tournament and lacking any significant domestic performances.
“How can a player who didn’t participate in the inter-varsity tournament and hasn’t made a mark in any other domestic events be selected?” Mudassar questioned.
The coaches have raised alarms about the selection of at least eight players who did not participate in any inter-varsity matches, suggesting that factors other than merit may have influenced the decision-making process.
“We protested to the HEC Chairman about these issues, but our concerns went unheard,” said the coaches, expressing their frustration. “Now, we are appealing to the PCB Chairman to take notice and intervene.”
Implications for Cricket Development
The two coaches also warned that if the non-merit-based selections continue, it could have long-term repercussions on private universities and their cricket programs.
Call for Immediate Action
With the Patron’s Trophy just around the corner, the coaches are calling for swift action to address these concerns. They believe that an investigation into the HEC selection process and the suspected irregularities surrounding the trials is crucial to maintaining the integrity of university-level cricket in Pakistan and ensuring that only the most deserving players represent the nation in such prestigious tournaments.
