 has appointed Azhar Ali as Head of Youth Development, adding to his role as a member of the Selection Committee.){kind=link}
Azhar Ali, a name synonymous with resilience in Pakistan cricket, has added another feather to his cap. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has entrusted him with a critical role: Head of Youth Development. Already a member of the Men’s National Selection Committee, Azhar is now officially at the forefront of shaping the future of Pakistan cricket.
But as exciting as this sounds, the dual responsibilities have sparked an interesting debate.
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A New Role with Big Responsibilities
The PCB announced Azhar’s appointment on Thursday after a thorough recruitment process. His new role? Building Pakistan cricket’s future from the ground up.
Azhar’s responsibilities are no small feat. From designing youth cricket strategies to establishing talent pathways and grassroots structures, his plate is full.
He’ll also be working with regional cricket associations to strengthen age-group programmes, mentoring young players under the PCB’s Pathways Programme, and organizing seminars on essential off-field skills.
In short, Azhar will be instrumental in finding and grooming Pakistan’s next Babar Azam or Shaheen Afridi.
“I am honoured and excited to take on this important role,” Azhar Ali said. “Having risen through the age-group ranks and played extensive club and domestic cricket, I understand the critical role grassroots development plays in shaping future stars.”
Azhar acknowledged the strides made in youth development and expressed his commitment to elevating the programme further. “Our goal is to identify promising talent and equip them with the tools to excel at the highest level,” he added.
A Selector and Head of Youth Development?
While Azhar’s passion for cricket development is commendable, his dual roles have raised eyebrows. Critics are questioning whether being both a selector and the Head of Youth Development could lead to conflicts of interest.
The concern is simple: could Azhar, as a selector, be biased towards players who come through the youth programmes he oversees? It’s a fair question, given the influence these roles carry.
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For now, the PCB seems confident in Azhar’s ability to balance his responsibilities. But this isn’t the first time dual roles in cricket administration have sparked debates.
Regardless of the controversy, Azhar’s new role is vital for Pakistan cricket. The Pathways Programme and other grassroots initiatives are key to ensuring that raw talent is nurtured, trained, and ready for the international stage.
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