Chief Executive Gen Pervez Musharraf on Sunday told the Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Lt Gen Tauqir Zia, "You are doing a lot for Cricket".

This he remarked after a detailed presentation given to him at the PCB Headquarters at Gaddafi Stadium on "Vision 2005", which outlined the salient features of the development of cricket during the past 18 month and its projected plans till 2005. The Chief Executive was accompanied by Lt Gen Aziz Khan, Corps Commander Lahore and present on the occasion were the members of PCB Advisory Council and senior officials of the Board. The presentation was given by Mr Rameez Raja, member Advisory Council.

Gen Musharraf sat through the presentation evincing keen interest in the affairs of cricket and the projected plans of PCB. Expressing his satisfaction at the progress achieved in streamlining the organization and initiating various plans for the development and modernization of cricket and its infrastructure, he turned towards PCB Chairman and remarked, "You are doing a lot". Referring to the "Vision 2005", which was earlier unfolded, he added, "You are going in the right direction". He asked that the details of the above plan be fully publicized so that it was also shared with the public at large through a television program.

Gen Musharraf later met the members of Pakistan team for the tour of England, which is in a training camp at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Addressing the cricketers, Chief Executive who was in a jovial mood underscored the need to developing the winning spirit. He said they should develop the spirit of complete confidence in their abilities to defeat any opposition. He also advised them to be free of being self-conscious when on the field and play with determination no matter what the situation is. He was happy to see some improvement in their fielding and urged them to further improve in this vital area. Another area, which he said needs more attention, is the physical fitness and especially the flexibility of the waistline, which can ensure more agility in the field. Despite the loss in the Final of ARY Gold Cup in Sharjah, he expressed satisfaction at the performance of the team in the whole tournament.

He generally praised their overall recent performance and said that a loss should be taken in the stride to make a vow to do better next time. He wished the team members best of luck in their forthcoming tour of England and said he would be eagerly looking forward to their progress on the tour.

© PCB