Departmental Cricket or Current Domestic System? Misbah-ul-Haq Picks his Choice:
When we talk about Pakistan cricket, we always get into a debate about shutting down departmental cricket. For a long time, Pakistan had a Departmental Cricketing system that financially supported the players. However, during the reign of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, departmental cricket was abolished and a new domestic cricket system based on six teams of first XI and six teams of second XI was introduced.
Former Head Coach and skipper Misbah-ul-Haq responded to a question about departmental cricket in a recent interview. Misbah was asked about the possibility of departmental cricket resuming under the new Pakistani government’s reign. Misbah-ul-Haq stated that the decision to discontinue departmental cricket was erroneous in the absence of a suitable alternative system. “Each department had 25-30 players, and these departments were in charge of nearly 30 teams. Departments were taking care of those teams, and the players were improving and earning well,” Misbah explained. Misbah-ul-Haq also stated that the new domestic structure has not improved cricket quality.
Furthermore, he stated that departments had proper players and management, as well as a proper recruiting system, whereas the current system does not manage these things professionally. “Another important factor is financial support, which has been provided by departments, but associations have not found such sponsors, and the entire burden has been placed on the PCB.”
“The teams of the associations are not independent, and cricket has shrunk,” Misbah added. Overall, the former captain was opposed to the decision to close down departmental cricket and insisted that the New Domestic Structure decision be reconsidered.
