Miandad urges greater support for young talent at Karachi cricket academy graduation

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad on Wednesday emphasised the importance of investing in grassroots cricket, stressing the country possesses abundant talent but requires stronger support systems to help young players fulfil their potential.

Miandad was speaking as the chief guest at the certificate distribution ceremony for the Karachi Under-15 Boys' Cricket Skill Development Programme, organised jointly by the Jalaluddin Cricket Academy and Helping Hand for Relief and Development, at Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana.

"There is no shortage of talent in Pakistan; what is needed is patronage," Miandad said.

He emphasised that quality coaching and modern training at the grassroots level are essential for developing skilled cricketers. He added that young players must be provided with opportunities to refine their abilities and praised the efforts of Jalaluddin Cricket Academy and Helping Hand for Relief and Development in nurturing emerging talent.

Miandad expressed confidence that several participants from the programme would go on to represent Pakistan in domestic and international cricket.

In his welcome address, former Pakistan Test cricketer and project head Jalaluddin said the long-term programme was designed to identify and develop promising young cricketers through structured coaching and training.

He noted that his continued work with young players had produced encouraging results and urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take practical steps to strengthen grassroots cricket by providing greater opportunities for talented youngsters.

"Such training programmes can play a vital role in producing the cricketers of the future," Jalaluddin said.

Representing Helping Hand for Relief and Development (USA), Sobia Naqvi said the organisation was committed to empowering Muslim youth around the world by helping them develop confidence and excel in different fields, including sport.

"The youth have a bright future," Naqvi said, while commending the work of the Jalaluddin Cricket Academy in developing young cricketers.

Camp Director Mohiuddin thanked the organisers, participants and guests for making the programme a success.

Former Pakistan Test cricketers Sadiq Mohammad and Shoaib Mohammad were also present at the ceremony, along with Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana President Syed Muhammad Talha, Muhammad Haris Khan, Iqbal Waris, Waheed Mirza, Ilyas Khan, Waqar Hussain, Asif Khan and other distinguished guests.

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates among the programme participants.