April and May has seen some pioneering initiatives launched by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Clearly focused on adding depth to Pakistan’s fast bowling reserves, both in the long-term and for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, the PCB has embarked on a series of unique initiatives which have been hailed by players, management and coaches alike.

by Amir Husain (10th May 2013)

April and May has seen some pioneering initiatives launched by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Clearly focused on adding depth to Pakistan’s fast bowling reserves, both in the long-term and for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, the PCB has embarked on a series of unique initiatives which have been hailed by players, management and coaches alike.

Launched at the behest of the PCB Chairman, Zaka Ashraf, these initiatives began with a countrywide pace bowling talent hunt, aptly named “King of Speed” to identify the fastest young bowlers that the country had to offer. Those identified as being in the top tier were invited to attend a camp alongside their more experienced counterparts, including the likes of Junaid Khan and Mohammad Irfan. The attendees of the camp were provided with an invaluable opportunity to work with the legendary Pakistan bowler, Wasim Akram, the first role of this kind he has undertaken with the Pakistan national set-up since his retirement almost a decade ago. Securing his services was no doubt a coup for those involved, particularly given he has indicated his desire to continue monitoring of the graduates of his camp.

The “King of Speed” event, which included fast-bowling assessment camps being set up in ten cities across Pakistan over the course of a week in April, was designed to unearth potential fast bowling talent which could be further refined by a dedicated coaching programme. The event did unearth at least one gem capable of propelling the ball at high pace, in the form of Ahmed Jamal. He won the competition with the fastest delivery clocked at 143kph, thereby claiming the prize of Rs. 1 million.

24 year-old Jamal was then invited to join the PCB-Ufone Fast Bowling camp held in Karachi’s National Stadium, where he was offered expert tuition by Wasim Akram. The time and advice offered by Wasim Akram to a newcomer like Jamal was something he will undoubtedly cherish forever .
 
Speaking to PakPassion.net, Jamal explained about the benefits of being coached by Wasim Akram and also praised the efforts of the PCB and the organisers of the King of Speed competition. 

“Wasim Akram's success in cricketing terms is something the likes of myself can only dream of and I will be delighted if I were to have a fraction of the success he had during his career. He was great with all of the boys, spent time with us as a group and also one-to-one."

The excellent organisation of these initiatives has also left a lasting impression on Jamal, who greatly appreciated the role of PCB in ensuring the future of Pakistani cricket by holding such events

"The King of Speed contest and the fast bowling camp run by the PCB and Ufone was a pleasure to be a part of. To work with a legend like Wasim Akram was a fantastic opportunity and it has really boosted my confidence as a bowler and as a cricketer.”

“Both events were very well organised. and credit must go to the PCB for their efforts. I think these sorts of competitions and camps will really help Pakistan cricket in future in developing and finding young cricketers particularly from areas away from the larger cities"

Whilst the future of Pakistani fast bowling is an area given careful attention by the PCB, the national team's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy this summer was also given importance, with the scheduling of a preparatory camp in the pleasant settings of Abbottabad, a first for the Pakistan team.

Surrounded by picturesque mountains in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and with weather and conditions not dissimilar to those to be encountered in England, the Abbottabad stadium has proven to be the perfect setting for preparing the national team for its task ahead.

From the abundance of coaching to the quality of the playing surfaces and facilities, it would appear that the PCB have made a conscious effort to not spare any effort to ensure that the camp achieves its objectives. As a special invitee to this camp to train with his seniors, Ahmed Jamal has only words of praise for the PCB and its efforts to provide the best possible preparation for the national team.

"To be invited to the Pakistan national training camp in Abbottabad has been a memorable experience. The fact that it was held in my home city made it even more special. Both Junaid Khan and I play for the same region and and cricket really is very popular in the area. I'm sure this region will produce much more cricketing talent particularly now that Junaid is a regular in the Pakistan side."

The progress made with the introduction of the special camps is part of a greater vision for the PCB, one that the Board will be hoping to have a profound effect on the development of the game in the country.

Ahmed Jamal certainly feels well-supported "To have the opportunity to work with the best players in Pakistan and coaches like Dav Whatmore, Mohammad Akram, Javed Miandad and Wasim Akram at the training camp was a great experience and I'm certain will benefit me going forward. I'm hopeful that what I have learnt at the fast bowling camp and the Abbottabad training camp will stand me in good stead in the future and I hope to put into practice what I have learnt, in the next domestic season."

Tests assessing players' fitness were conducted prior to the selection of the final squad and chief selector Iqbal Qasim has indicated every player in the National team camp had passed before their selection was confirmed. As the national squad embarks on the tour of Ireland and Scotland, culminating in the final Champions Trophy, the players are as well-prepared as any Pakistan squad to have left for a major tournament.

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