PCB should set up academy for spinners to save the dying art: Qadir

Lauding the decision to harness the experience of some of most well known and knowledgeable cricketers of the country, Abdul Qadir has asked the PCB to set up an academy to groom young spinners.

Karachi: Lauding the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to harness the experience of some of most well known and knowledgeable cricketers of the country, Spin legend Abdul Qadir has asked the PCB to set up an academy to groom young spinners.

The PCB’s scheme to spot talented players runs from June to September, involving three well known Pakistani Cricketers - Sarfraz Nawaz, Abdul Qadir and Ijaz Ahmed – who will visit 16 cities around the country and identify the most talented players aged between 17-25. The result of these camps will be a shortlist of around 20-25 players who will then be requested to participate in a 4 week Advanced Coaching Camp at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore. Qadir told a television channel about the aims behind PCBs Talent hunt scheme, the quality of talent on display so far as well as the current standards of spin bowling in Pakistan. Impressed by the talents, he said: “In my view, leg spin in Pakistan needs special attention. Infact, the PCB should set up an academy specifically for spinners, especially legspin.” “I will be more than happy to be involved in this project and will do my utmost – even if I have to go to every part of Pakistan to discover and groom leg spinners. This is one form of bowling that can win you matches in any conditions. We should not let this art (leg spin) fade away as this has brought great fame to our country.” Over the years, PCB has been the subject of a lot of criticism for its inability to create conditions conducive for recognition of fresh talent. “It’s the first time that such a scheme has been organized in the history of Pakistani cricket. I feel that all the great cricketers of our times, who have been blessed with fame due to services they have rendered to the nation, should really come forward and help out in this scheme.” ANI