Karachi, The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to bolster cricket in the country, announcing three major player development programmes. These initiatives are designed to nurture young talent, refine the skills of national players, and provide substantial support for Under-19 cricketers.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the first of these programmes involves the activation of sub-academies in seven cities. This initiative, approved by Chairman PCB Management Committee Mr. Zaka Ashraf and Director of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, Mohammad Hafeez, aims to enhance the cricket infrastructure across the nation. In a significant collaboration, the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) will provide land for cricket grounds in Islamabad, Quetta, Bahawalpur, Lahore, and Peshawar. Additionally, the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi and the Inzamam-Ul-Haq High-Performance Centre in Multan will be activated as sub-academies, equipped with necessary resources.

The second programme includes specialised training camps for both national and upcoming players. These camps are designed to focus on skill enhancement and professional grooming, ensuring that players are well-prepared for the competitive nature of top-level cricket.

Lastly, the PCB has prioritized the development of U19 players, who will receive extensive financial support along with skills training. This effort is geared towards molding them into quality professionals, capable of representing Pakistan at international levels.

Director Mohammad Hafeez, while unveiling these programmes, expressed enthusiasm about the prospects they offer. He emphasized the importance of equipping players with world-class facilities and training to compete effectively on the global stage. Hafeez also mentioned future plans to extend development programmes to interior Sindh and the erstwhile FATA regions, aiming to harness talent from these areas and transform it into international-level cricket prowess.