Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) new CEO Faisal Hasnain has revealed that “largely negative” reports and “headlines” about the country would be posted on ICC message boards, saying perception and reputation is an issue. This will affect not only the country’s cricket, but also trade and tourism, added Hasnain, who previously served as the ICC’s finance director.
“The perception of Pakistan is not good. I can be very honest about it; I’ve worked in the ICC and with cricket in Zimbabwe, so I know the corridors of discussion about cricket in Pakistan. Pakistan’s perception and reputation is a problem,” Hasnain said Wednesday.
The “not good” reputation makes it difficult for the country to invite a top international cricket team.
No team has toured Pakistan for more than a decade since the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore.
“I saw negative headlines or stories about Pakistan on bulletin boards in the ICC offices,” he recalls.
Hasnain called on the media to play a constructive role and work with the PCB to change negative perceptions about Pakistan, saying that the country’s cricket grounds should also be improved.
“The perception now is that if you go to Pakistan, you are in the room for almost a month, you cannot go out, the fields are dead, etc. And this affects the mentality of international players. My job is to change this perception. internationally.” Hasnain addressed the media with PCB chairman Ramiz Raja after the Board of Directors (BvG) meeting.
Speaking of the lukewarm response during the recent T20I series between Pakistan and the West Indies in Karachi, he said a lot needs to be done to make life easier for the fans.
“Cricket is a service industry where we try to sell a product and properties. We got a disappointing response from the public for the West Indies series, but we don’t think about fans emotionally. I’ve been through this as a commentator.
“I realize we have to work a lot to make fans’ lives easier. Make it a great spectator viewing experience. That’s why the BOG has agreed to set up a fan engagement department.” Lack of star players in the touring parties does have an impact.
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“In addition, the security, the long distances, the tickets, etc. are all issues for people that we need to make them easier.” Raja also felt that after what happened to the New Zealand and England teams (when they withdrew from the Pakistan tour earlier this year due to safety concerns), pressure has been built on the touring parties and that they will now think twice before retiring from tours.
(This story was not edited by DailyExpertNews staff and was generated automatically from a syndicated feed.)
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