Lifting local cricket: Nazar sets sights on reviving academies

Former cricketer wants to nurture talent after taking charge

KARACHI: Mudassar Nazar, Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) new Director Cricket Academies, has set himself a target of producing at least three to four players per year through the academies after taking charge of his new job.

The former Test cricketer, who has come back to Pakistan after spending eight years abroad, is keen to nurture young talent and revive the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

“The cycle of development isn’t rocket science but it takes years to develop a good cycle,” said Nazar. “If it gets broken, then the country goes back five to ten years.”

The 60-year-old has met national chief selector Inzamamul Haq and NCA head coach Mushtaq Ahmed to discuss the academies’ plight and how to revive them. “The first task is to begin the work in all U19 academies in all 16 regions,” he said.

He then revealed that a training camp for all-rounders and wicketkeepers will also be established soon. “I have produced young talent for the country in the past and will do it again,” he said.

Nazar has also been named the chairman of the domestic cricket committee, whose other members include Iqbal Qasim, Nadeem Khan and Urooj Mumtaz.

“I will also ask the committee about the condition of domestic cricket in Pakistan. It is extremely important to improve the standard of pitches and use quality balls,” he added.

He also signalled future changes in the NCA coaching staff, but only after he has consulted with top PCB officials.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2016.

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