In a significant move highlighting the importance of grassroots cricket, the Lahore Regional Cricket Association's Manager of Cricket Operations, Abid Hussain, conducted a special visit to the Samanabad Sports Complex.
Engaging with Grassroots Cricket
During his visit, Hussain actively engaged with players from two prominent local clubs: Young Mazang Gymkhana and Mian Iqbal Memorial Cricket Club. He took a keen interest in their training, observing their net practice sessions to assess the talent and dedication at this fundamental level of the sport.
The club presidents, Zia-ul-Qamar of Young Mazang Gymkhana and Waqas Ahmed of Mian Iqbal Memorial, formally welcomed the LRCA official. They provided a comprehensive briefing on their clubs' daily operations, management, and overall functioning.
Club Cricket: The Bedrock of Pakistani Cricket
Addressing the gathering, Abid Hussain delivered a powerful message about the critical role of club cricket. He unequivocally stated that club cricket is the foundation of Pakistan's entire cricket structure. It is at this level, he emphasized, that young and aspiring cricketers are first identified, groomed, and prepared for higher challenges.
He paid rich tribute to the club organisers, describing their role as both critical and indispensable for the preservation and continued development of cricket across the country. Without promoting club cricket and giving these organisers the respect and recognition they deserve, Hussain warned, any meaningful improvement in Pakistani cricket would remain a distant dream.
He further commended the organisers for their immense dedication, acknowledging that they selflessly contribute their valuable time and personal resources to nurture the sport.
A Collaborative Effort for the Future
The visit was also attended by Owais Sarwar, the President of Sajid Memorial Cricket Club, who accompanied Abid Hussain. This collaborative effort between the regional cricket association and local clubs underscores a shared commitment to strengthening the sport from the ground up. The focus remains firmly on creating a robust pipeline of talent by empowering the very clubs that serve as the cradle of Pakistani cricket.
