PCB to host 'Connection Camp' for defining shared vision, mission for future

• Camp aims to set roadmap to reignite excellence of Pakistan cricket.
• Event to identify key issues, agree on strategic path forward: Naqvi.
• Kirsten stresses meeting highest levels of international competition.

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will host a high-level "Connection Camp" at a local hotel in Lahore tomorrow (Monday), aiming to establish a clear and unified vision for the future of Pakistan cricket.

The Green Team — led by Shan Masood as Test captain and Babar Azam as white-ball skipper — suffered back-to-back blows over the last 12 months, including a recent humiliating 2-0 Test whitewash against Bangladesh after facing defeats against Afghanistan and the United States in the 50-over and T20 World Cup tournaments.

This strategic session follows a series of consultations PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has had with former cricketers since assuming office earlier this year, read an official statement issued on Sunday.

The camp will bring together nine elite cricketers, including Pakistan's white-ball skipper Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and the national team's red-ball captain Shan Masood.

Joining them will be national team head coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, assistant coach Azhar Mahmood and high-performance specialist David Reid.

Chairman Naqvi will lead the day-long session, accompanied by the cricket board's leadership team.

The primary objective of the camp is to define a shared vision and mission, along with setting a roadmap to reignite the pride and excellence that has characterised Pakistan cricket since achieving Test status in 1952.

"The session will focus on fostering stronger collaboration between players and the PCB, while the board will reaffirm its commitment to supporting players in meeting strategic goals. The ultimate aim is for players to take a leading role in inspiring the next generation of cricketers through outstanding performances," it read.

Naqvi said: "The Connection Camp is a critical step toward unifying our approach to restore Pakistan cricket to its former glory. Our aim is to identify key issues, foster open dialogue and collectively agree on a strategic path forward."

"By addressing these challenges directly, we will establish clear, actionable goals that meet the expectations of our passionate cricket fans."

"The PCB remains optimistic that this session, which builds on prior discussions with former cricketers, will lead to a results-driven strategy that improves both player management and team performance."

"This is the first step in an ongoing journey to reshape Pakistan cricket. The PCB will continue these collaborative efforts to ensure long-term success, keeping fans at the heart of our mission."

Commenting on the upcoming event, Test team captain Masood said: "This is an important moment for us as players. We're fully committed to working with the PCB to reignite the pride and passion that Pakistan cricket is known for. These discussions will help us set a strong course for the future and we are excited to be part of this collaborative effort."

"The outcomes of the session will include performance benchmarks, player development programmes and strategies to enhance grassroots cricket. This initiative aligns with the PCB's vision to not only improve immediate team performance but also ensure long-term sustainability of excellence in the sport."

"This camp provides a valuable opportunity for open dialogue and alignment between the coaching staff and players. We're all striving toward the same goal — raising the standard of Pakistan cricket and creating a culture of winning," said the men's team red-ball head coach Gillespie.

Pakistan men's team white-ball head coach Kirsten said: "As a coach, it is my responsibility to set up the best environment possible for the players to thrive."

"We will focus on refining our approach in white-ball cricket to meet the standards of the highest levels of international competition. Most importantly, we will do everything possible to ensure the people of Pakistan are proud of their national team," he concluded.