Pakistani PM Shahbaz Sharif Urges for Transparent Cricket Team Restructuring

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed that the cricket team restructuring be carried out by Mohsin Naqvi with strict adherence to merit, even advising that if the Prime Minister himself makes any recommendations contrary to merit, they should not be considered. Sharif emphasized that Naqvi should focus diligently on the improvement of the cricket team.
Addressing the ceremony for the renovation of Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Sharif highlighted the urgent need to modernize the cricket stadium. He expressed pleasure that steps are being taken to upgrade Qaddafi Stadium’s infrastructure to contemporary standards and hoped that the project would be completed swiftly.
Sharif praised Naqvi for his role as interim Chief Minister, noting his success in completing projects promptly. He expressed confidence that under Naqvi’s leadership, new projects in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi would advance well.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s past cricketing prowess, Sharif expressed hope that the nation’s cricketing reputation would be restored. He underscored the deep love and enthusiasm for cricket among the Pakistani people.
In a light-hearted moment, Sharif shared a humorous anecdote from a match where New Zealand played against Pakistan at Qaddafi Stadium. He recounted how Shafqat Rana, a senior during his college days, was known for his exceptional spin bowling but struggled against fast bowlers. During a match, with Rana at 96 runs, he was dismissed by a fast bowler. A fan called out “Shafqat, bad luck,” to which Rana humorously responded by saying, “Indeed, my luck (back) is bad.”