Mohsin Naqvi hosts a dinner to U19 squad, praises impressive England tour.
Shakeel ur Rehman
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi hosted the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team for a dinner and meeting, congratulating the young players on their impressive performances during their tour of England.
In a significant step for Pakistan’s junior cricket structure, the PCB has also decided to award central contracts to Under-19 players for the first time. The initiative is aimed at encouraging young cricketers and providing them with greater support as they progress towards senior-level cricket.
Pakistan Under-19 produced an impressive performance in England, winning the four-match Youth ODI series 3-1. The visitors, however, suffered a narrow 10-run defeat in the four-day Youth Test.
Fata-born opening batter Usman Khan emerged as Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in the ODI series, accumulating 240 runs, including a brilliant 151. His outstanding hundred-plus innings was among the most memorable individual performances of the series.
Other Pakistani batters who made significant contributions included captain Farhan Yousaf, Abdul Qadir, Hamza Zahoor and Hasnain Abbas Dar. Abdul Qadir also produced an impressive 146, while Farhan Yousaf played an important role with the bat alongside his leadership responsibilities.
One of the highlights of the series was the remarkable 268-run partnership between Usman Khan and Farhan Yousaf in the opening ODI. Their outstanding stand laid the foundation for Pakistan’s comprehensive victory and demonstrated the quality of the country’s emerging batting talent.
Pakistan’s success was also built on a disciplined bowling attack. Mohammad Sayyam, Rizwanullah, Abdul Subhan and the other bowlers consistently applied pressure on England’s batting line-up and delivered crucial breakthroughs at important stages of the matches.
Pakistan Under-19 head coach Shahid Anwar said the team was invited by the PCB chairman following its strong performance in England. He said Mohsin Naqvi met the players individually, appreciated their efforts and encouraged them to continue working hard.
Shahid Anwar welcomed the decision to introduce central contracts at Under-19 level for the first time, saying the initiative would provide young cricketers with greater encouragement and financial support while motivating them to improve their performances.
He also appreciated the PCB chairman’s interaction with the players and coaching staff, saying the encouragement would further strengthen the confidence of the young cricketers.
Pakistan Under-19 captain Farhan Yousaf said the Under-19 development camps held in Multan had proved highly beneficial for the players. He noted that the positive results of the camps conducted over the past two years were now becoming evident.
Farhan said meeting the PCB chairman was a motivating experience for him and his teammates, adding that receiving central contracts at the Under-19 level for the first time was a moment of great encouragement for the young players.
Vice-captain and opening batter Usman Khan also welcomed the decision, saying central contracts would boost the confidence and morale of young cricketers and allow them to focus more seriously on developing their careers.
Young cricketer Jehangir Bilal said central contracts would help address the financial concerns of emerging players and enable them to concentrate more fully on cricket.
Meanwhile, Rizwanullah thanked Mohsin Naqvi and the PCB for their support and encouragement. He said the announcement of rewards and central contracts was a major source of motivation for young players and appreciated the board for taking the initiative to support Pakistan’s emerging cricket talent.
