LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to fully activate its cricket academies in Lahore, Karachi, and Multan to improve player development across the country.
Sources say that different training programs will run throughout the year at these academies. Special focus will be on the “Age Group Pathway Program” to help young players prepare for future international events.
In Lahore, the National Cricket Academy will focus on improving the national team’s “bench strength.” Top players from domestic cricket will be selected and trained by experienced coaches.
In Multan, the academy will train Under-19 cricketers, preparing them for upcoming events, especially the U-19 World Cup.
In Karachi, the focus will be on women’s cricket. National and emerging women cricketers will train for this year’s Women’s World Cup and next year’s Women’s T20 World Cup.
The National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, which was established in 2000, has been a key part of developing international-level cricketers for Pakistan. Aaqib Javed, who previously served as a coach at the NCA, played an important role in developing bowlers like Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz.
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The PCB’s focus on structured “pathway programs” matches the efforts of other international cricket boards, which aim to provide clear training routes for young players to reach the professional level.
Sources also said that Aaqib Javed is a strong candidate for the role of Director of High Performance. He is expected to play a major role in strengthening the academies once again, just as he did in the past.