Elite coaches to lead PCB's youth development camp

KARACHI: The third phase of the Engro Cricket Coaching Project is set to begin this Sunday at the Hanif Muhammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi.

The program will be spearheaded by four elite foreign coaches, supported by a local coaching staff.

This initiative is part of a three-year collaboration between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Engro Corporation, established in 2022.

Engro has sponsored the involvement of foreign coaches to provide top-notch training for aspiring cricketers. Phases I and II were successfully conducted in 2022 and 2023, respectively, with Phase III scheduled for 2025.

The coaching team includes former England Test cricketer Ryan Sidebottom, South African coaches Siyabonga Sibiya and Ryan Maron, as well as New Zealand’s Scott McLaren.

England-based physiotherapist Javed Mughal will also play a key role in enhancing players' fitness during the camp.

A total of 60 players—30 each from the U17 and U19 categories—have been selected for the program based on their performances in last year’s age-group and pathway tournaments.

The U17 players will participate in the first half of the camp, while the U19 players will join in the second half.

Azhar Ali, the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Head of Youth Development, highlighted the transformative impact of the Engro Cricket Coaching Project, a collaborative effort between the PCB and Engro aimed at nurturing emerging cricket talent.

“The PCB is excited to provide a valuable opportunity to 60 young cricketers across the country to take part in a highly intensive and productive coaching project with the support of Engro and under the guidance of elite coaches," said Azhar.

He elaborated on the program's objectives, emphasizing its comprehensive approach.

“At this age, we aim to work on players’ fitness regimes, tactical prowess, and technical aspects while incorporating an appropriate sporting and athletic lifestyle among the players, so they can excel in professional cricket after graduating from the age-group bracket," he said.

“I welcome the team of elite foreign coaches to Pakistan, and we look forward to reaping dividends on the youth development front as they share their knowledge, experience, and insights with our young players over the next four weeks,” he added.