Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday said that all possible support would be extended for promotion of cricket, encouragement of talented players and strengthening the domestic cricket system in the province.
Governor vows all-out support for promotion of domestic cricket in KP
PESHAWAR, Aug 31 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday said that all possible support would be extended for promotion of cricket, encouragement of talented players and strengthening the domestic cricket system in the province.
“Governor House doors are open for the promotion of domestic cricket,” he said while chairing a meeting on domestic cricket in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at Governor House, Peshawar.
Senior General Manager Domestic Cricket Operations, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Usama Sharoon Niazi, briefed the Governor about domestic cricket tournaments, structure and schedule.
He said that Pakistan had 16 domestic cricket regions, including Peshawar, FATA and Abbottabad in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Departmental cricket tournaments comprised eight teams.
Niazi said the 2018 policy had adversely affected domestic cricket, adding that a new policy was now being implemented to promote the domestic structure and improve opportunities for players. He said the reforms introduced by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi were benefiting domestic cricket and players.
He stressed the need for the Governor’s patronage and encouragement for promotion of domestic cricket in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Governor Kundi said construction of quality cricket stadiums and provision of better facilities, including accommodation for players, were essential for promoting the sport in the province. He urged the PCB to extend cooperation in this regard.
He proposed that two grounds in Dera Ismail Khan be utilized for domestic cricket and said government departments and institutions in KP should also have their own domestic cricket teams.
The Governor directed that better facilities be ensured for players in all cricket regions and stressed the need for international-standard cricket stadiums in areas of KP other than Peshawar.
He said the provincial government and all relevant institutions would work together for the promotion of cricket and continue extending maximum support to provide young players opportunities to advance their careers.
Regarding the School Cricket Talent Hunt Programme, Niazi said 450 schools across the country had participated in the previous phase, while PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had expanded the programme threefold. More than 1,200 schools from across Pakistan were expected to participate in the upcoming phase, he added.
He appealed to public and private schools to participate actively in the programme, saying it would play an important role in promoting cricket, identifying talented players and providing them training across the country, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He also urged school administrations to extend full cooperation to PCB regional coaches.
