'Model constitution for clubs aimed at strengthening grassroots cricket'.

Byline: Khalid H. Khan

KARACHI -- While giving an insight into modules of the new Model Constitution for Cricket Clubs and Club Affiliation/Operation Rules, National High Performance Centre's director Nadeem Khan made it clear on Monday that only functional clubs would be granted voting rights.

Addressing a virtual media conference from Lahore, Nadeem said the upcoming model - which was approved by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)'s Board of Governors last Friday - is the gateway for the country's future cricketing stars.

'Our primary objective is to fortify the base, which is the grassroots level, of our domestic cricket to build a strong foundation so that players are developed in a professional environment,' Nadeem, a former slow left-armer who played two Tests and as many One-day Internationals in the 1990s, said.

'I view club cricket as one of the key ingredients and want to make it a viable source of [players'] supply. Hence, our basic task is to make club cricket as manageable as possible for the stakeholders involved. Here I wanted to give clarity over certain queries.'

Nadeem, who is the elder brother of ex-Pakistan captain and chief selector/team manager Moin Khan, claimed it is imperative that unless concrete steps are in place it would be very difficult to achieve the desired objectives.

'That's why there are three categories of club system that we'll make operational, hopefully by December if not earlier. The global scenario is critical because of the novel coronavirus [Covid-19] and we've to take stock of the prevailing situation,' he explained.

'We are introducing a limited period for the running of a particular club. Whoever wants to run the club, will do so for a two-year tenure and will be replaced by another member for the next term and so forth.

'I know from experience of playing extensively at the club level the problems when someone keeps on running the club for a very long period. There are times when some players have certain issues that official [who is there for ages].

Nadeem continued, 'A club will only be allowed to have voting rights, provided it is operating as per the rules mentioned in the constitution. Level I coach will be hired by each club team. We are preparing a framework for the coaches to bring a culture of uniformity at all tiers and integrate this into the system.

'This process [of coaching] will inevitably benefit many former cricketers who have become coaches since not only jobs will be created...