ISLAMABAD, Jan 26: Showing his concern over Pakistan’s huge loss in the one-day series against Sri Lanka at home recently, President Asif Ali Zardari has asked the national cricket authorities to look into the debacle, while urging the country’s corporate sector to come forward for reviving the sport.

Sources quoted President Zardari, Patron of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as saying this at the prize distribution ceremony held at the President House on Monday for the winners of Benazir Bhutto Memorial Cricket Championship.

“The president was very much concerned about Pakistan’s disastrous performance against the visiting Sri Lankan team,” a source from the presidency told Dawn.

Pakistan were bundled out for just 75, their lowest ODI total at home, resulting in a 234-run drubbing – their heaviest ever by runs – in the final ODI in Lahore on Saturday, to lose the three-match series 1-2.

It was Pakistan’s first major international assignment at home after Ijaz Butt took charge as the new PCB chief late last year.

Meanwhile, in a press release issued by the Presidency, Zardari said: “Over the years the standard of cricket in Pakistan has gone down, there is an urgent need to take effective steps to revive our undisputed position in cricket and past glory.”

Zardari thought Pakistan is a major force in global cricket, adding the game of cricket is a source of Pakistan’s recognition at the international level.

Zardari suggested a round table conference to critically examine the present status of cricket in the country and recommend steps for its improvement.

The proposed conference may be attended by stakeholders such as former captains and coaches to suggest measures for improving cricket facilities at education institutions besides holding regular competitions at the district and regional level.

The president was of the view that major corporations can also play a role in promoting cricket in the country, saying: “The corporations can do so by giving employing cricketers, forming their own teams besides holding cricket tournaments.”

Federal Sports Minister Pir Aftab Shah Jilani, PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt, Sindh Sports Minister Dr Mohammad Ali Shah, PCB Governing Board member Shakil Sheikh besides other dignitaries attended the ceremony.