Aaqib Javed Frontrunner for Director of High Performance Role

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is taking decisive steps to invigorate the nation’s cricket prospects by fully operationalizing its high-performance centers located in Lahore, Karachi, and Multan.

This initiative forms part of a wider strategy aimed at fortifying the country’s talent pool through continuous year-round training and a targeted youth development scheme.

Sources indicate that these facilities will conduct ongoing advancement programs, with significant focus on the age-group Pathways Program—an effort designed to discover and cultivate potential stars from an early age.

At the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, endeavors will concentrate on boosting the national reserve strength by refining the capabilities of high-achieving athletes. Coaches will collaborate closely with them to enhance physical conditioning, sharpen techniques, and strengthen psychological fortitude.

The Multan center will dedicate its resources to readying the Under-19 team for the forthcoming ICC U-19 World Cup, whereas the Karachi hub will function as a training ground for the Pakistan women’s national squad and up-and-coming female aspirants.

A detailed plan is in effect to groom these athletes for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Information suggests that former pace bowler Aaqib Javed is a primary candidate for the position of PCB’s Director of High Performance. Celebrated for his past accomplishments in overhauling cricket academies, Javed is anticipated to assume a pivotal role in restructuring the developmental framework.

Concurrently, the PCB is contemplating extensive changes to the domestic cricket structure.

Dissatisfied with the existing 18-team arrangement, the board is said to be evaluating a proposition to decrease the number of domestic teams to just nine with the goal of elevating competition and improving player advancement.

To that end, a special reform committee has been established, led by Aaqib Javed and former cricketer Wahab Riaz. The committee is charged with presenting thorough recommendations to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in the weeks ahead.