PCB invites 27 leading departments to participate in 2023-24 domestic cricket season

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headed by chairman Najam Sethi has invited 27 leading departments to take part in the forthcoming domestic cricket season 2023-24. The apex cricket board of the country has formally written to the departments seeking their interest in participating in the competitions which are scheduled to commence in August. 

In the letters, the PCB has not only asked the departments to confirm their participation for the upcoming season but has also encouraged them to prepare robust cricketing units. Furthermore, the board has also assured that the event would gain maximum coverage and publicity through the traditional and new media.

The letters were sent to the departments on behalf of Najam Sethi, chair of the PCB Management Committee and in accordance with the PCB Constitution 2014. Adding to that, Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif is keen to see the return of the departments to play a vital role in the growth and development of the sport in the nation. Income Tax, Air Force, Pakistan Army, and Pakistan Navy are among departments invited to take part in the event. 

Najam Sethi confirms Mickey Arthur's return to Pakistan's set-up

Meanwhile, the 54-year-old Mickey Arthur is set to return as Pakistan's head coach and therefore will most likely relinquish his current contract with English county side Derbyshire, where he is playing the same role. PCB chairman Najam Sethi confirmed orchestrating the negotiations personally over a deal with Arthur for the role.

“I am personally in negotiations with Mickey (Arthur) and we have resolved 90 percent of issues. Hopefully, we will very soon share the news that Mickey will be joining us. I would like him to build his own team of coaches once he is here,” told Najam in the press conference on Monday, January 23.

The former Pakistan spinner and current head coach Saqlain Mushtaq will no longer be renewing his coaching contract with the senior men's national side as Arthur is expected to take up the role soon. Arthur managed the side during 2016-19 in which he helped the team clinch the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy and claim the no.1 spot in the ICC T20I rankings.