Azhar Ali to head PCB youth development program alongside his current post as member of the PCB selection committee.
Azhar Ali has been appointed head of youth development at the PCB.
According to the PCB, Azhar will fill the newly formed position in addition to his current position as a member of the men’s national team selection committee. The position was filled following a recruitment procedure.
While light on specific details of what the role entails, a PCB statement said Azhar would be “tasked with shaping the future of Pakistan cricket by designing and implementing comprehensive youth cricket strategies, establishing robust grassroots cricket structures and talent pathways, collaborating with regional cricket associations to strengthen age-group programmes, educating emerging cricketers under the PCB’s Pathways Programme, and organising seminars and clinics to build awareness of off-field development essentials for aspiring players”.
One of the clearer illustrations of a success story through Pakistan’s player pathway scheme is Azhar.
In 2002, he made his first-class debut and was included in the Pakistani Under-19 World Cup team. Before returning to Pakistan, he continued to improve his skills in the UK. He made his Test debut in 2010 and went on to become a brilliant player for Pakistan, amassing 7142 Test runs at an average of 42.26 and momentarily leading both the Test and ODI teams.
“I am honoured and excited to take on this important role,” Azhar told the PCB’s website. “Having risen through the age-group ranks and played extensive club and domestic cricket. I understand the critical role grassroots development plays in shaping future stars.
“Significant strides have already been made in this area. I look forward to working with my colleagues to elevate our youth development programme further. Our goal is to identify promising talent and equip them with the tools to excel at the highest level.”
Pakistan’s U-19 side is currently involved in a triangular series in the UAE, with Afghanistan as the third side.