The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has embarked on a mission to enhance the exposure of its backup players through a series of international matches for its national A and junior teams. This initiative follows the lead of other leading cricket nations and aims to provide a pathway for talented players to gain valuable experience against international opposition.
The PCB has announced that the Pakistan Shaheens will engage in a return series of four-day and one-day matches against Bangladesh A in August. Additionally, Sri Lanka A will tour Pakistan in November for a five-match series.
“The objective is to revitalize pathway cricket projects so that our backup talent consistently receives exposure to international cricket against teams other than domestic opponents,” stated a PCB official.
The Pakistan Shaheens will face Bangladesh A in two four-day matches in August, followed by three 50-over fixtures. Notably, the Bangladesh national team will also be in Pakistan during August for two ICC World Test Championship matches.
In November, Sri Lanka A will visit Pakistan for five matches against the Pakistan Shaheens. The four-day matches will be played from November 11-14 and November 18-21, while the 50-over clashes will take place on November 25, 27, and 29. Venues will be announced in due course.
The Pakistan Emerging team will defend its ACC Cup title in October, while the Pakistan U-19 team will participate in a U-19 50-over Tri-Nation Tournament and ACC Asia Cup U-19 in November/December.
According to sources, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the importance of arranging matches against other teams for the Pakistan A and junior outfits following the disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup.
“During meetings with Pakistan team coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillispie, as well as the national selectors, it was unanimously agreed that Pakistan’s backup talent requires regular games, similar to other teams like India, England, and Australia,” a source said.
The Pakistan Shaheens are currently in Darwin for two four-day games against Bangladesh A, having won the opening match on Monday. They will also play white-ball matches.
