Six promising young cricketers from the Lahore region, identified through the PCB School Cricket Talent Hunt Programme were invited to observe Pakistan men’s team training session at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday, it was reported on Saturday.
The School Cricket Talent Hunt Programme, an initiative of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi aimed at identifying and nurturing emerging talent at the grassroots level, provided the youngsters with an opportunity not only to watch the national team train but also to bowl to Pakistan players in the nets.
The young cricketers, aged between 14 and 16, also interacted with Pakistan players and coaching staff during the session, gaining first-hand exposure to the training environment and professional standards required at the international level.
Pakistan men’s team took part in their first training session in Lahore since arriving from Rawalpindi, where they won both their matches in the ODI tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan are set to take on England in the fourth match of the tri-series on Sunday, 25 October at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Pakistan men’s team head coach Mike Hesson welcomed the youngsters and praised the talent identified through the programme, particularly the variety and quality of bowling on display.
Talking to PCB Digital, Mike Hesson said: “We have got a nice traditional leg-spinner and a couple of quick bowlers who have beautiful actions, good seam release and they hit a great length.
“PCB have done well in terms of finding these players and I am sure there’s plenty more out there as well, so looking forward to seeing how they progress over the coming years.
“We have seen Babar have a talk to the boys, as did Fakhar. A few of them have integrated with the group and got some ideas around what’s required to be an international cricketer.
“It is not just the skill, it’s also the work ethic and a great initiative from the Chairman PCB.”
The visit proved to be a memorable experience for the aspiring cricketers, who expressed their excitement at training alongside players they hope to emulate in the future.
Abdul Rehman, a right-arm fast bowler while sharing his experience with PCB Digital said:
“It’s a very good feeling. Practicing at a national stadium alongside Pakistan team is special. Every player dreams of representing Pakistan and today we got the opportunity to train with the same team.”
Muhammad Husnain, a right-arm leg-spinner expressed his delight at meeting and bowling to the national team players. Talking to PCB Digital, he said:
“I am feeling really good. It was a great opportunity for me to meet our national team players and it was a great learning experience to watch them train up close.
“I had a great interaction with Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman as both shared some valuable training insights with us.
