LAHORE: Aaqib Javed, the newly-appointed Director of High Performance at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has vowed to reinvigorate cricket development across the country through a revitalised network of academies. Addressing media at the LCCA Ground on Monday, Aaqib shared his vision as a skill development camp for senior national players got underway.
Aaqib revealed that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) is being revamped with year-round, format-specific training programs targeting not just the men’s national side, but also women’s and youth teams. He said that visible improvements could be expected within six months.
A total of 15 players have been invited to the camp, including seasoned campaigners Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. When questioned about the inclusion of such experienced players, Aaqib stressed the importance of constant technical refinement in modern cricket.
“Today’s players go from tournament to tournament with little time to focus on skill-building. This camp gives them a much-needed break to focus on fitness and technique,” he said, adding that selection remained merit-based and open. “No one is excluded. Whether it’s Babar or any other player, performance is the key.”
On the decline of club cricket, Aaqib highlighted the erosion of grassroots structures. He called for the PCB’s intervention to support existing clubs, which continue to nurture talent despite infrastructural challenges.
“Back in our time, club, school, and college cricket provided a strong foundation. Now, with reduced facilities and ground closures, club cricket has faded. The PCB must help the institutions that are still producing players,” he said.
Reflecting on the early days of the NCA in the 2000s, Aaqib noted its crucial role in grooming regional talent. However, he lamented its inactivity over the past decade, which he believes contributed to the national team’s inconsistency.
He stressed the importance of science and technology in modern training regimes. “To stay competitive internationally, we must upgrade — from fitness and fielding to diet and communication.”
Sharing the roadmap for academies nationwide, Aaqib outlined the regional structure:
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Karachi: Women’s cricket camps
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Sialkot: Under-15 programs
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Faisalabad: Under-17
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Multan: Under-19
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Lahore NCA: National, Pakistan A, and emerging players
Specialised camps for various skill sets — including fast bowlers, spinners, wicket-keepers, and openers — are also in the pipeline.
Addressing speculation of a rift with Rizwan, Aaqib dismissed such rumours, affirming mutual respect and unity in decision-making.
“In all my dealings with Rizwan and other captains, we’ve always worked collectively. There’s never been a divide,” he clarified.
In conclusion, Aaqib emphasised the importance of continuity in development systems. “If we invest in 30 Under-15 players today, they’ll rise through the ranks — to Under-19, to Shaheens, and eventually the national team. If this process continues, Pakistan will be well-positioned for future Test championships,” he said.
