Former captain Azhar Ali has been appointed as the head of youth development at Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), following a recruitment exercise.
This role will be an extension of Al-Azhar’s current responsibilities, where he also serves as a member of the Men’s National Selection Committee.
Azhar, a popular figure in Pakistani cricket, began his journey in the U-19 Cricket World Cup in 2002 before moving to the senior national team. Over a distinguished career spanning from 2010 to 2022, he earned 97 Test and 53 ODI caps.
He has captained the national team in nine Tests and 31 ODIs. He was also a key member of the historic Pakistani team that won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017.
As Head of Youth Development, Azhar is tasked with shaping the future of Pakistan cricket by designing and implementing comprehensive youth cricket strategies, creating robust grassroots cricket structures and talent pathways, collaborating with regional cricket associations to strengthen age group programmes, and educating juniors. cricketers under the PCB Pathways programme, organizing seminars and clinics to build awareness of the fundamentals of off-field development for aspiring players.
Regarding his new role, Al-Azhar said that he is honored and excited to assume this important position.
“Having come up the ranks and played extensively in club and local cricket, I understand the crucial role grassroots development plays in shaping the stars of the future.
“Great strides have already been made in this area, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to take our youth development program further. Our goal is to identify promising talent and provide them with the tools to excel at the highest level.
The PCB congratulated Azhar on his appointment and expressed confidence that his experience and vision will contribute significantly to the growth and success of youth cricket in Pakistan.