News Desk
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director of Domestic Cricket Operations Osama Sheron Niazi has announced that matches of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and National T20 tournament will be held in Karachi, with efforts also under way to organise other domestic competitions in the city.
He warned that strict disciplinary action would be taken against players participating in tournaments held without the required no-objection certificate (NOC) from the PCB.
He made these remarks during a meeting with officials of the Regional Cricket Association Karachi (RCAK) at KCCA Stadium, where participants discussed the promotion of domestic and club cricket, the availability of grounds and opportunities for young cricketers.
Osama Sheron Niazi said the PCB, under the leadership of Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, was taking comprehensive measures to develop cricket across the country and provide talented players with opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and earn selection for the national team.
He said the PCB issued NOCs for tournaments on the recommendations of regional cricket associations, adding that club-registered players must participate only in competitions conducted in accordance with PCB rules and regulations.
Highlighting Karachi’s contribution to Pakistan cricket, he named renowned players, including Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, Moin Khan, Rashid Latif, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq, and stressed the need for further initiatives to develop talent in the city.
He also praised KCCA Stadium, saying RCAK President Nadeem Omar had developed the facility to a high standard.
RCAK Secretary Ali Hussain assured the PCB of the association’s full cooperation at every level to promote cricket and develop young players.
RCAK Tournament Committee Chairman Khalid Nafees said Karachi hosted more cricket than any other part of the country despite a shortage of grounds. He credited Nadeem Omar’s efforts with helping sustain cricketing activities and providing players with opportunities to improve their performances. RCAK Joint Secretary Muhammad Touseef Siddiqui called for a dedicated window for club cricket tournaments to improve scheduling and organisation and enable clubs to conduct competitions more effectively.
Earlier, Osama Sheron Niazi was welcomed at KCCA Stadium by RCAK officials, including Ali Hussain, Khalid Nafees and Muhammad Touseef Siddiqui. A large number of zonal officials attended the meeting and shared suggestions on improving cricket facilities and organising tournaments.
Following the meeting, the PCB official visited National Bank, UBL, TMC and other cricket grounds in Karachi to review facilities and assess the availability and condition of venues for domestic competitions. He was accompanied by Azam Khan, coordinator of RCAK.
At the conclusion of his visit, Osama Sheron Niazi thanked RCAK officials for their hospitality and expressed hope that continued cooperation between the PCB and the association would expand cricketing activities and create more opportunities for emerging players.