Board may lay off trainers and analysts

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is pondering over downsizing trainers and analysts across the country with the axe likely to fall on those officials who do not fit the bill, well-placed sources told ‘The News’ here on Wednesday.

The board is keen to keep only the assets, rather than liabilities — ones who can actually make a difference, said a source.

There are several trainers and analysts who do not have solid credentials. Almost eighty percent of the trainers were appointed after taking part in short courses.

And instead of bringing any innovation, these trainers are going by the training manuals given to them by the PCB.

The induction of trainers and analysts in the structure of Pakistan cricket was under the banner of an education programme for the betterment of the overall potential of upcoming cricketers from grass roots level.

Meanwhile, most of the analysts have no idea as to how to rectify the mistakes made by players and drawing an analysis.

A senior official of the board confirmed that they had a general discussion over the downsizing issue.

“We had a general discussion but nothing has been finalised yet,” he said. “So, for now, their jobs are intact.”

When asked on why the board hires their services in the first place, he said: “Primarily we wanted to hire the services of former international and first-class players for the post of trainers and analysts. But when they didn’t come up to work in these fields we were forced to look for other options.

“We educated them so that they could at least conduct training sessions properly.”

He agreed with the fact that many of the trainers and analysts were incompetent and the board had to spend on their education.

“Analysts are good computer operators but are still lacking in many aspects.

“We are looking at this situation and might conduct a level-I course for them to enhance their capabilities.”

He also revealed that the board has even helped some of the officials financially to complete their level-III courses.

Meanwhile the trainers have reservations if the board decides to judge the criteria of incompetence.

“I am sure the PCB will be biased in dismissing and keeping people if the situation of downsizing arises,” one of them said.

“There has to be a person like Grant Compton to judge our skills. He was one person who used to look after all trainers.

“So a person of his stature can identify the best people. “You can not give equal treatment to horses and donkeys.”
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