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Home  » Sports » PCB turns tech-savvy

PCB turns tech-savvy

Source: PTI
March 05, 2004 14:19 IST
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Pakistan Cricket Board's computer system, hitherto gathering dust in the store, is now being used to "cast a web" around the famed Indian batting line up.

With the all important series against India round the corner, the PCB has appointed Khawar Rabbani, a close friend of coach Javed Miandad, as a computer analyst to help the team counter the Indians through hi-tech system.

Rabbani would be a part of a four-member computer wing working round the clock to prepare relevant video footage and pass on the information to their bowlers, sources said on Friday.

"The wing has been given the task to cast a web around Indian batsmen and pinpoint their weaknesses and strong points," they said.

Pakistan had employed former Test pacer Sikander Bakht, known for his 8-76 against India at Delhi in the 1978-79 series, as their computer analyst.

But after the team's debacle at last year's World Cup and players' lack of interest in the hi-tech system, the analyst was sacked and system thrown in the store.

"The use of technology has become part and parcel of international cricket and we are not doing any specific thing for Indians, but yes we have done some moderation in the system and have used all the available data on Indian batsmen," admitted manager Haroon Rasheed.

"Everyone in world cricket is now using the computer system and more than catching opponents' weaknesses you tend to improve on your own shortcomings.

"So we are using the system to not only catch their weaknesses but also to remove our shortcomings," said Rasheed, a former Pakistan batsman.

Dr Ejaz Sandhu heads PCB's computer wing which also has two computer operators.

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq had said he was wary of India's strong batting line up and his bowlers would have to do their best to stop them.

Computer system giants Intel had reportedly invested a huge sum on setting up a computer lab at PCB's headquarters in Lahore but shed their plans after non-cooperation from the previous PCB regime.

This time too, sources said, Miandad's induction of Rabbani has cast a shadow on the performance of the wing.

"Rabbani does not know much about computers and the other experts feel that in the presence of a lesser knowledgeable man, the system could not be used to the best effects," sources said.

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