LAHORE: Former Pakistan Test captain Mohammad Yousuf visited the National Cricket Academy in Lahore on the invitation of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), where he reviewed ongoing development projects and modern facilities being provided to players.
Yousuf appreciated the positive changes taking place at the academy and praised PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for efforts aimed at improving Pakistan cricket and providing players with better facilities.
The former captain also praised Aaqib Javed and his team’s grassroots cricket plans, saying the Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 and Shaheens programmes could play an important role in developing talented players for the national team.
Yousuf particularly appreciated a programme in Sialkot Academy involving 30 Under-15 players undergoing 240 days of training. He said technical and mental development of young cricketers would benefit Pakistan cricket in the future.
He also welcomed the construction of modern dressing rooms and other facilities at LCCA Ground, while noting that an upgraded biomechanics laboratory could help improve players’ performance.
The former Test captain described the Under-19 team’s tour of England as a positive PCB initiative and suggested that junior teams should receive more opportunities to play in England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
He also welcomed the proposal to invite Sri Lanka’s Under-17 team to Pakistan, saying international exposure would be valuable for young cricketers.
Yousuf further recommended hiring a foreign batting coach to improve the technical skills of young batters. He stressed the importance of shot selection, technical ability and the capacity to perform under pressure.
He also called for the development of different types of pitches for first-class cricket, including surfaces designed to provide bounce, swing and spin, so that players can better prepare for the demands of international cricket.
According to Yousuf, modern bowling machines and video analysis can help identify and correct technical weaknesses. He urged players to make full use of the facilities provided by the PCB to improve their individual performances and contribute to a stronger future for Pakistan cricket.