Cricket is not just a sport but a reason for happiness, especially in Pakistan and India. Pakistanis are not happy with their current cricket team as they are unable to secure a trophy after the 2017 Champions Trophy. You can bring this happiness back to their faces if you have a real passion and talent for cricket.
Almost every Pakistani has a dream to play for Pakistan, but the competition for cricket in the country is very high, so the dream of playing for Pakistan remains a dream. But don’t worry; we have a complete guide that will definitely help you choose the right way to fulfil your dream.
After the Partition in 1947, Pakistan played its first international match in 1952 against the Republic of India in Lucknow, registering its first victory. Women’s cricket in Pakistan developed after 50 years of Partition in 1997.
Cricket in Pakistan is governed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which is a full-time member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Pakistan regularly participates in international cricket series.
Pakistan organized three major domestic cricket leagues, including the Quaid-e-Azam trophy, the Pakistan Cup (List A) and the National T20 Cup (Domestic T20). Apart from this, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is a huge opportunity for young players to be attracted to both national and international levels. PSL has produced many good players for Pakistan, like Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Haris, Saim Ayub and many others. Your performance in this event defines your selection for the national team.
Here is how to start your cricket career:
1-Focus on your skill:
First of all, you must develop the skill that you want to become a bowler or a batter. Try to focus on both, but give privilege to the skill you wish to acquire, as well as on fencing and your fitness. Join a nearby cricket club or academy for basic and structural training. Participate in matches to gain experience and exposure. If you’re in school, college or university, try out for the cricket team; this can help you gain visibility.
Stay Informed with cricket news, especially regarding team selections and trials. Networking with fellow cricketers and coaches can provide valuable insights and opportunities.
Attend trials and camps organized by PCB or local cricket associations, and make sure your performances are consistent to catch the eye of coaches and selectors. If you’re young enough, aim to play in age-group tournaments (Under-15, Under-19).
Attend trials and camps organized by PCB or local cricket associations, and make sure your performances are consistent to catch the eye of coaches and selectors. If you’re young enough, aim to play in age-group tournaments (Under-15, Under-19).
As cricket at the school level is at its lowest, you must show your potential at lower levels, such as regional clubs and tournaments.
Tip: Make sure the club or academy you have joined has strong connections with the regional and departmental teams so you can easily get the attraction.
2- Make your presence on Domestic cricket
To join the national team, you must have to play domestic cricket. PCB chairman Mohsi Naqvi has set domestic performance as a criterion for joining the national squad. Many professional teams represent companies like Habib Bank, PIA, Punjab Bank, etc and are known as departmental cricket teams. These teams participate in a domestic tournament called the Patron Cup. Apart from this, many regional teams participate in the Quaid-e-Azam trophy.
3- Quaid-e-Azam Trophy
The trophy is named after the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This trophy includes five regional and two departmental teams, including from Bahawalpur, Punjab, Karachi, North-West Frontier Province, Sindh, Combined Services, and Pakistan Railways.
4- Pakistan Cup
The Pakistan Cup (Previously Pentangular One Day Cup) is another domestic List A cup. A total of six regional teams participated in this event.
5- National T20 Cup
The national T20 Cup is organized by PCB every year with the same structure as the Pakistan Cup. It is also one of the oldest T20 leagues in the world. Sialkot Stallion is one of the successful teams in this event, with six titles.
This event started in 2004-2005 and became one of Pakistan’s professional cricket leagues with 14 teams.
Format: The 18 qualifying teams will be split into four groups of five. The top two teams from each group will move on to the Super 8 round. In this stage, the teams will be placed into one group of eight. The top four teams from this group will then advance to the knockout stage, which will include two semi-finals and a final.
6- Pakistan Super League
Pakistan Super League (PSL) is one of the leading cricket leagues in the world nowadays. This event includes six teams from the country: Lahore Qalandar, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, and Islamabad United.
Different franchise owners and investors own the whole team.
Format: The format of this event is a double-robin in which teams have to compete against each other twice, with the top four teams qualifying for playoffs.
To be a professional cricketer, you must have to play these leagues and local events to gain attention. Apart from this, PCB conducts camps in different parts of the country to find hidden talents. If you look at an example, you must see the story of national fast bowler Haris Rauf and how he was selected through Lahore Qalandrs trial camps for PSL.
This process is not also as easy because of politics in clubs and local cricket. Apart from this, former cricketers have limited access to the board, while the decisions of the board are made by people who have no background in cricket.
Former crickets must have their academies like Salman Butt, but many of them spend their time fighting and criticizing the national team on social media and TV channels instead of taking some positive steps.
FAQs:
1 What are the initial requirements to become a cricketer?
To join professional cricket, you must develop your skills, like batting, bowling, fielding, and mental and physical fitness.
2- How can I improve my cricket skills?
You need to join a local cricket club or academy which regulary conducts cricket training and matches. You must have to be passionate about your game to become a good cricketer.
3- Which one is the best cricket club in Lahore?
Ludhiana GymKhana has a strong history of producing players like Wasim Akram.
4- What is the salary in the PCB central contract?
Salaries vary in categories. Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Muhammad Rizwan are placed in the A category, with a monthly salary of 45 lakhs.
