The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a series of measures to provide greater international exposure to its up-and-coming cricketers. This initiative mirrors the player development strategies of other leading cricketing nations.
Pakistan A Scheduled for Matches Against Bangladesh A and Sri Lanka A
The PCB has planned a return series of four-day and one-day matches between Pakistan Shaheens (the national A team) and Bangladesh A for August 2024. This will be followed by a tour by Sri Lanka A in November, featuring both four-day and one-day fixtures.
“The purpose is to revive pathway cricket programs,” said a PCB official. “This will ensure our reserve players gain consistent exposure to international cricket beyond domestic matches.”
The four-day matches against Bangladesh A will be played in August, with three one-day matches scheduled for the latter part of the month. Notably, the Bangladesh national team will also be touring Pakistan in August for World Test Championship matches.
Venues for the Sri Lanka A series in November will be confirmed at a later date. The tour itinerary includes four-day matches and three one-day encounters.
Emphasis on Regular Competition for Pakistan A and Junior Teams
These upcoming matches are part of a broader effort by the PCB to provide Pakistan A and junior teams with more competitive opportunities. According to a source, the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, emphasized the importance of arranging matches against various teams following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup.
“Discussions between the PCB chairman, the national team coaches, and selectors resulted in a unanimous decision,” the source revealed. “Pakistan’s reserve players need regular competitive matches, similar to the programs followed by India, England, and Australia.”
The Pakistan Shaheens are currently in Darwin, Australia, playing a two-match four-day series against Bangladesh A. They emerged victorious in the opening match and are scheduled to play white-ball matches as well.
Pakistan A and Junior Teams to Participate in Upcoming Tournaments
In addition to the bilateral series, Pakistan A will be defending their title in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup in October. The Pakistan U-19 team will also be participating in a U-19 Tri-Nation Tournament and the ACC Asia Cup U-19 in November and December.
These increased opportunities for international exposure aim to strengthen Pakistan’s player development pathway, ensuring a steady stream of talented cricketers prepared to compete at the highest level.
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