Shoaib Akhtar praises Aqib Javed’s development plan after NCA visit

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan cricket after visiting the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and observing the infrastructure and development work being carried out under the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Akhtar said he recently visited the NCA and also saw the facilities at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) ground, describing the latter as a historic venue that had previously fallen into poor condition.

According to Akhtar, significant improvements have now been made, including a swimming pool, stadium facilities and dressing rooms, while biomechanical laboratories and a new gym are also being developed.

He revealed that around 60–70 young cricketers are currently stationed across Sialkot, Faisalabad and Multan, with players from Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 age groups being developed as part of the programme.

Akhtar particularly praised Aqib Javed for presenting a long-term development plan and said seeing the infrastructure and young players himself gave him confidence in the initiative.

“I would not believe him if I hadn’t seen that infrastructure,” Akhtar said, emphasising that the commitment behind the programme was visible on the ground.

The former pacer also revealed that PCB officials told him they were not expecting immediate results from the current national team, but were instead focusing on developing hundreds of young cricketers over the next five months to one year.

Akhtar pointed to Pakistan’s Under-19 players in Dubai as an early glimpse of the potential, praising their passion, athleticism and fearless approach against India.

He suggested that the current development programme could provide Pakistan cricket with a stronger pipeline of talent in the years ahead, particularly if the infrastructure and long-term planning continue to receive proper support.