The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled three new player development initiatives. These include launching sub-academies in seven cities, conducting specialized training camps for national cricketers, and a financial aid project for U19 players aimed at their professional advancement.
PCB's Management Committee Chairman, Mr. Zaka Ashraf, in collaboration with Cricket Director, Mohammad Hafeez, spearheaded these programs to enhance cricket in Pakistan. In partnership with the Defence Housing Authority (DHA), PCB plans to establish cricket grounds for the sub-academies in Islamabad, Quetta, Bahawalpur, Lahore, and Peshawar. The Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi and the Inzamam-Ul-Haq High-Performance Centre in Multan will also serve as sub-academies, equipped with necessary resources.
The developmental initiatives include setting up specialized training camps for both national team players and emerging talent. The U19 cricketers will receive substantial financial support, skill development training, and professional grooming.
Expressing his thoughts on these programs, Cricket Director Mohammad Hafeez remarked, 'We are thrilled to launch these developmental programs focused on nurturing young talent, refining the skills of our national players through specialized camps, and operationalizing sub-academies for continuous training throughout the year.
This move aims to prepare our players for the rigors of top-level competitive cricket. Addressing the skill enhancement of our cricketers and providing them with top-notch facilities is crucial. We are also extending these developmental initiatives to interior Sindh and erstwhile FATA, ensuring that talents from these remote areas are groomed to potentially compete on an international level.'