Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad called for stronger investment in grassroots cricket, saying Pakistan has no shortage of talented young players but needs sustained support and quality coaching to help them succeed. He made the remarks while addressing the graduation ceremony of the Karachi Under-15 Boys’ Cricket Skill Development Program in Karachi.
The certificate distribution ceremony was held at Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana and was organized through a collaboration between the Jalal Uddin Cricket Academy and Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD). Young cricketers who completed the training program received certificates in recognition of their participation.
Miandad Stresses Importance of Grassroots Development
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Javed Miandad said Pakistan possesses abundant cricketing talent, but young players require proper guidance, modern coaching, and institutional support to reach their full potential.
“There is no shortage of talent in Pakistan; what is needed is patronage,” Miandad said, adding that quality coaching at the grassroots level is essential for producing future national and international cricketers.
He also praised the efforts of the Jalal Uddin Cricket Academy and Helping Hand for Relief and Development in nurturing young talent and expressed confidence that many participants could represent Pakistan in domestic and international cricket.
Jalal Uddin Highlights Long-Term Vision
Former Test cricketer Jalal Uddin, who heads the project, said the academy’s long-term objective is to identify and develop promising young cricketers through structured coaching programs.
He noted that years of working with young players have produced encouraging results and emphasized that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should continue strengthening grassroots initiatives to identify talented players across the country.
According to Jalal Uddin, sustained training and development programs can play a vital role in producing the next generation of Pakistani cricketers.
HHRD Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Development
Sobia Naqvi, representing Helping Hand for Relief and Development (USA), said the organization’s mission is to empower Muslim youth by providing opportunities to develop their skills and confidence in different fields, including sports.
She praised the work of the Jalal Uddin Cricket Academy and said investing in youth sports can help young people realize their potential.
Camp Director Mohi Uddin thanked the participants, coaches, and organizers for making the program successful.
Former Test cricketers Sadiq Mohammad and Shoaib Mohammad, along with Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana President Syed Muhammad Talha and several other sports officials and guests, attended the ceremony. The event concluded with the distribution of certificates among the camp graduates.
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