In a significant move for the advancement of Pakistan Cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced three comprehensive development initiatives nationwide. These initiatives include the establishment of sub-academies in seven cities, the organization of specialized training camps for both national and emerging players, and the implementation of a project designed to provide financial support to U19 players, fostering their transformation into high-caliber professionals.
Mr. Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, endorsed this initiative in consultation with Mohammad Hafeez, Director of the Pakistan men’s cricket team. The collaboration with the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) will see the provision of land for cricket grounds in Islamabad, Quetta, Bahawalpur, Lahore, and Peshawar, where sub-academies will be activated. Additionally, the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi and the Inzamam-Ul-Haq High-Performance Centre in Multan will serve as sub-academies with the deployment of necessary resources.
Under these development programs, specialized training camps will be organized for both national and emerging players. U19 players will receive comprehensive financial support, coupled with skills training and holistic professional development.
Commenting on the initiatives, Mohammad Hafeez, Director of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, stated, ‘We are pleased to introduce three development programs aimed at nurturing our young players, refining the skills of national players through specialized camps, and establishing sub-academies for year-round training. This initiative is crucial in preparing our players for the highly competitive world of top-level cricket. Addressing the skills of our players and providing them with world-class facilities is imperative. We also plan to extend development programs to interior Sindh and FATA, ensuring that talent from remote areas can be cultivated into international assets.’