MULTAN, Jun 24 (APP):Head Coach of Pakistan Under-19 team Shahid Anwar has said that Pakistan are the defending champions of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup and retaining the title is one of the team’s biggest responsibilities. He expressed these views while speaking during the ongoing Under-19 Skills Development Camp in Multan, where 31 players are currently participating. He said the camp has been organised with a clear roadmap in mind, …
Asia Cup defence main focus for Pakistan U-19, says head coach
MULTAN, Jun 24 (APP):Head Coach of Pakistan Under-19 team Shahid Anwar has said that Pakistan are the defending champions of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup and retaining the title is one of the team’s biggest responsibilities.
He expressed these views while speaking during the ongoing Under-19 Skills Development Camp in Multan, where 31 players are currently participating. He said the camp has been organised with a clear roadmap in mind, with the team first set to tour England before shifting focus towards the Asia Cup.
Shahid Anwar said the coaching staff is working on the physical, mental, technical and tactical preparation of the players to equip them for future challenges. He added that special emphasis is also being laid on the players’ lifestyle and overall development so they can be groomed into complete professionals.
He said the upcoming tour of England would be highly beneficial for the young cricketers, as playing in difficult conditions would help improve their game awareness, temperament and overall experience. According to him, such exposure is crucial for the development of emerging players at this stage of their careers.
The Pakistan Under-19 head coach said the team’s ultimate target is to win the next ICC Under-19 World Cup, which is still around 18 months away, and the current camp has been planned keeping that long-term objective in view. He said the support staff is fully engaged in improving the players’ skills and fitness levels during the camp.
Shahid Anwar further said the purpose of the development programme is not only to prepare a strong Under-19 side but also to produce quality cricketers for Pakistan’s senior team.
He noted that players like Ali Raza, Sameer Minhas, Farhan Yousaf and Abdul Subhan have already come through the pathway, while four Under-19 players are also currently attending a camp at the National Cricket Academy.
The Under-19 Skills and Development Camp underway in Multan is featuring 31 players and is considered a key part of Pakistan cricket’s preparations for upcoming international assignments, including the England tour, Asia Cup title defence and the next Under-19 World Cup campaign.
