LAHORE: Promising fast bowler Ali Raza is among the players being considered for a proposed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) development program in the US aimed at honing skills and exposing players to new training methods.
During a recent interview, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson confirmed that the PCB is exploring the possibility of sending cricketers overseas as part of a proposed development program that focuses on power-hitting, injury rehabilitation and different training methods and learning environments.
Among the names under consideration is 18-year-old Raza, widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s brightest white-ball pace prospects.
The youngster was instrumental in Pakistan’s ACC U-19 Asia Cup win last year, taking 4-42, including the crucial wicket of Vaibhav Suriyavanshi in the final against India.
Earlier this year, he further enhanced his reputation by scoring a hat-trick for Peshawar Zalmi in the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Although he is yet to make his international debut, Raza has been included in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming Asian Games. PCB is keen to carefully manage his fitness and workload as he moves towards international cricket.
“Fastball-wise, there are no injuries like anywhere else in the world,” Hessen explained. “We are trying to get Ali Raza fit and strong enough to cope with the demands of international cricket. Throwing so many spells and maintaining his pace is tough.
“When he’s at his top-end speed, we know he’s excited. But when the pressure increases, the stresses on the body increase. So he has to work on his body so he can handle them.”
The proposed US program is expected to provide selected players with specialized training, sports science expertise and a new training environment for a long period of time.
While the PCB is yet to confirm which players will be selected, Raza’s inclusion in the discussions highlights the board’s long-term investment in nurturing emerging talent and preparing them for the demands of international cricket.