Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced its first-ever central contracts for U19 cricketers, following their formidable win against England U19 in a four-game YODI series in away conditions. Pakistan U19 bagged the series 3-1, losing one game by just two runs.
Pakistan U19 awarded for incredible results
The series also included a one-off four-day game, which was won by the hosts in a down-the-wire game by just 10 runs. Before the series, the U19 team won the Asia Cup in December last year, defeating arch-nemesis India in the final by a whopping 191 runs.
PCB Chairman met the players, praising their efforts during the tour and announcing the awarding of contracts.
Pakistan U19 coach Shahid Anwar said the contracts will motivate players to put on their best.
“I would like to thank the head coach of Pakistan U-19, Pakistan Cricket Board, Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman, who welcomed the U-19 players after their top performance in England,” said Anwar in a video shared by the PCB.
“Yesterday, he called them for dinner and had a one-to-one meeting with the boys. For the first time, the Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the central contract of U-19 players.
“Along with that, the coaches were also encouraged. This gives motivation to the boys. They believe that if they perform well, they will be able to give a lot to the Pakistan Cricket Board.”
Foreign exposure and training camps
Pakistan U19 cricketer Aliyan Salman, who was part of the team that beat England in the series, said the central contracts are only part of the consistent and significant support the PCB is providing to age-group teams. Besides the training camp, which Aliyan said has become more consistent for the side, the board is working to organise foreign tours, which would give players the exposure they need to hone their skills.
“There was a long gap after the U-19 camps. There was a gap after the domestic cricket, which was not very beneficial for us. The boys were not in touch with international cricket exposure,” Aliyan said.
“Our development camps have started in Multan for the last two years. They have been very beneficial for us. Our boys have been working hard for the last two months.
“They have won the Asia Cup without any international exposure. The international tours have started again in foreign countries. This is very good for us. If such tours continue, our boys will be ready to play on the international stage. This was a very good initiative of the PCB. We had a meeting related to this yesterday,” he further added.
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