KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad on Wednesday stressed the importance of investing in grassroots cricket, stressing that the country has plenty of talent but young players need strong support systems to fulfill their potential.
Miandat presided over the certificate presentation ceremony for the Karachi Under-15 Boys Cricket Skills Development Program jointly organized by Jalaluddin Cricket Academy and Helping Hand for Relief and Development at Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana.
“There is no dearth of talent in Pakistan; what is needed is support,” Miandat said.
He emphasized that quality training and modern training at the grassroots level is essential to produce skilled cricketers. He added that young players should be given opportunities to hone their skills and appreciated the efforts of Jalaluddin Cricket Academy and Helping Hand for Relief and Development in nurturing budding talents.
Miandat hoped that many participants from the program would represent Pakistan in domestic and international cricket.
In his welcome address, former Pakistan Test cricketer and project leader Jalaluddin said the long-term program was designed to identify and develop promising young cricketers through structured coaching and training.
Noting that his continuous work with young players has yielded encouraging results, he urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take practical steps to strengthen grassroots cricket by providing more opportunities to talented youngsters.
“Such training programs will play an important role in developing future cricketers,” said Jalaluddin.
Sophia Naqvi, representing Aid for Relief and Development (USA), said the organization is committed to empowering Muslim youth around the world by helping them build self-confidence and excel in various fields, including sports.
“The youth have a bright future,” Naqvi said, praising the Jalaluddin Cricket Academy’s work in producing young cricketers.
Camp Director Mohideen thanked the organizers, participants and guests for making the event a success.
Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana President Syed Muhammad Talha, Muhammad Haris Khan, Iqbal Waris, Waheed Mirza, Ilyas Khan, Waqar Hussain, Asif Khan and other special guests along with former Pakistan Test cricketers Sadiq Mohammad and Shoaib Mohammad also attended the function.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the participants.