🏏 Introduction
Cricket isn’t just a sport in Pakistan—it’s a passion, a religion, and sometimes, the only dream a child dares to chase. But beneath the glitz of international cricket lies a broken, tangled system that fails to protect the very future it should safeguard: our youth cricket structure.
So, what’s going wrong with domestic youth cricket in Pakistan? Why is a country that lives and breathes cricket still struggling to nurture its next Babar Azam or Shaheen Afridi?
Let’s delve into the challenges facing Pakistan’s domestic youth cricket and what’s holding back our young talent from taking flight.
🏟️ Understanding the Youth Cricket System in Pakistan
Levels of Youth Cricket
Pakistan’s youth cricket is structured into age-group levels—U-13, U-16, and U-19. Ideally, this ladder should build strong players who eventually break into domestic leagues and the national team.
Role of the PCB
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) oversees the entire system, from trials to tournaments. It should be the backbone of youth cricket development—but is it playing its part effectively?
School and Club Participation
Schools and local cricket clubs are essential feeders of young talent. Sadly, many schools lack proper grounds, coaches, or even basic kits.
🚧 Lack of Infrastructure
Poor Ground Conditions
Drive across Pakistan, and you’ll see dusty fields with broken pitches and no nets. Many players grow up playing on concrete or taped ball pitches, which doesn’t prepare them for real competition.
Inadequate Training Facilities
Most youth academies lack gyms, modern nets, video analysis tools, or even proper cricket balls. How do we expect champions without tools?
Unequal Regional Development
While Lahore and Karachi see occasional investment, smaller cities like Quetta, Sukkur, or Gilgit are nearly invisible on the cricket map.
💸 Insufficient Funding
Limited Budget for Grassroots Cricket
Grassroots cricket rarely gets financial backing. Coaches go unpaid, tournaments get delayed, and equipment is outdated—money doesn’t reach where it matters.
Inconsistent Support from Sponsors
Youth cricket isn’t “marketable,” so sponsors turn their backs. Compare that to India, where the U-19 World Cup is a commercial bonanza.
🔍 Talent Mismanagement
Nepotism and Favoritism in Selections
Let’s be honest—”parchi culture” is authentic. Talented kids are benched, while sons of influential people get selected.
Overlooked Talent in Rural Areas
Pakistan’s villages are goldmines of cricketing talent. However, without scouts or trials, these players are often overlooked.
Lack of Merit-Based Opportunities
Performance often takes a backseat to “connections.” That kills morale and discourages real talent from even trying.
👨🏫 Coaching and Mentoring Challenges
Unqualified Coaching Staff
Most youth coaches lack certifications or professional training. Many rely on old-school, unscientific methods.
Outdated Training Methods
We’re still using 90s drills in 2025: no biomechanics, no analytics, no data—just nets and prayers.
No Focus on Mental Health and Fitness
Young players are under pressure, but there is zero counselling support. There’s also little emphasis on injury prevention or mental wellness.
🛑 Political Interference
Selection Politics
Selections are often influenced by politics—whether from local boards or higher-ups. Players are selected based on their affiliations, not their skills.
Regional Board Conflicts
Infighting between regional boards leads to chaotic tournaments, poor management, and lack of coordination.
📉 Absence of Long-Term Planning
No Vision for Youth Development
Every new PCB chairperson brings a new plan, often scrapping the last one. There’s no 10-year roadmap or consistency.
Policy Shifts with Administration Changes
Programs start and stop depending on who’s in charge. This inconsistency crushes momentum and progress.
🔎 Poor Scouting and Talent Hunt Programs
No Structured Scouting System
Pakistan has no nationwide professional scouting network. Scouts are rare, underpaid, and barely trained.
Ineffective Trials and Camps
Trial camps are mismanaged and biased. Coaches hardly remember names, let alone evaluate players fairly.
🎓 Educational Barriers
No Balance Between Education and Sports
Students have to choose: Cricket or School? No system allows them to confidently do both.
No Scholarships or Support Programs
Other countries offer scholarships for youth athletes. In Pakistan? Nothing but dreams and heartbreak.
😓 Psychological Pressure on Young Players
Unrealistic Expectations
Many young players are expected to become “the next star” by their families, adding stress to an already competitive environment.
No Mental Conditioning
There are no sports psychologists or mental training sessions. This leads to burnout, anxiety, and self-doubt.
📆 Inconsistent Domestic Competitions
Few Matches and Tournaments
Youth cricketers don’t get enough match practice. Many players only play a few games a year, which isn’t nearly enough.
Poor Event Management
Tournaments are delayed, venues are changing at the last moment, and facilities are subpar. It’s disheartening for young athletes.
🌍 International Exposure Issues
Fewer Youth Tours Abroad
Foreign tours offer exposure, but they’re rare. While Indian youth players tour England and Australia, our players stay grounded—literally.
No Ties with Foreign Academies
Other cricket boards have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with academies in Australia, the UK, and South Africa. Pakistan? Still lagging.
🚺 Gender Disparities in Youth Cricket
Minimal Support for Female Cricketers
Girls’ cricket is nearly non-existent in most regions. Where it exists, there are no proper coaches or equipment.
No Separate Pathways for Female Talent
There’s no structured pathway for young girls who want to pursue cricket professionally.
🇵🇰 Impact on National Team Performance
Weak Bench Strength
Our national team suffers because youth cricket doesn’t build a strong bench. When key players are injured, replacements are often undercooked.
Limited Player Development
Without solid basics developed at the youth level, many players peak too early or burn out too soon.
✅ Conclusion
Pakistan’s youth cricket should be our pride—but it has become a neglected and fractured system where dreams die young. From poor infrastructure and political interference to a lack of vision and merit, the problems are numerous—but not insurmountable to fix.
It’s time for the PCB, schools, clubs, and society to unite, invest in our young guns, and build a cricket system that nurtures—not neglects—its future.
❓FAQs
1. Why is youth cricket important for Pakistan?
Youth cricket lays the foundation for future national team players. A strong system ensures consistent performance at the international level.
2. What role does the PCB play in youth cricket?
The PCB is responsible for organising tournaments and training camps, as well as providing funding for development. But poor execution hampers results.
3. How can Pakistan enhance its talent scouting efforts?
By establishing a nationwide, professional scouting network that evaluates players purely on merit—especially from rural areas.
4. Are there any support programs for young cricketers in schools?
Currently, there are very few. Schools often lack sufficient funding, adequate facilities, and qualified coaching. Introducing scholarships and training programs would be a game-changer.
5. What’s the biggest issue in youth cricket today?
The biggest issue is a lack of structure and consistency—policies change, support is often lacking, and real talent is frequently overlooked.