FATA to be equipped with cricket infrastructure: PCB

JAMRUD—Regional General Manager PCB for NWFP Anwar Zaib Jan has pleased to see keen involvement of the youth from various tribal agencies.
Talking to APP, Anwar Zaib Jan disclosed that during the recent visit of the Chairman of the PCB Dr. Nasim Ashraf, he directed to provide all facilities to the tribal youth in order to boost up the game in different agencies.
He said, that equipment have already been handed over in across the NWFP including FATA and newly constructed Jamrud Cricket Stadium is a new edition to the overall development of game infrastructure in the area.
Anwar Zaib said, the Chairman PCB has already given approval for the provision of side screen, boundary rope, covers for the pitches, heavy and light rollers and services of pitch expert.Anwar Zaib, flanked by Test cricketer Muhammad Hafiz, who also witnessed the match, said that the newly constructed Jamrud Cricket Stadium will be a venue for the first class matches and similar facility at Bajaur Agency will be considered for the domestic cricket matches so that more and more players could be facilitated at their door step. Holding of matches in Bajaur and Khyber Agencies, the youth will get an opportunity to see good cricketers in action during the matches that could also help them to learn game skills, he added.
Muhammad Hafiz while commenting on this occasion appreciated the organizers for holding cricketing activities in far flung areas and was pleased to see the existing talent in the tribal agencies. Earlier, when Test cricket Muhammad Hafiz entered into the Stadium the vociferous crowd gave him standing aviation. Hafiz was taken toward the fences and the tribal youth responded well with the cheering hands. It was heartfelt moments in the venue.
The organizers also appreciated the services of the Associated Press of Pakistan for its extensive sports coverage of different sports activities in FATA. When the organizers announced of presenting special shield to APP reporter on the occasion, the crowd also responded well with thundering applauses. Speaking on this occasion, Hafiz termed the activity very vital for the youth.
“I’m happy to see FATA youth talent and their keen interest in sports activities,” he added. Tehsildar Khyber Agency Khalid Mumtaz Kundi, who was also Chairman of the Organizing Committee, thanked the PCB for their generous support in announcing kit bags for both the teams.
Kundi assured that tribal youth would be provided all facilities. He also highlighted various steps taken by the political authorities on the directives of the Governor NWFP Lt. Gen ® Ali Muhammad Jan Aurakzai. He said the Governor is very keen to involve FATA youth in healthy sports activities and completion of Cricket Stadium in Jamrud, Khyber Agency, will have its role as far as progress of the game in FATA is concerned. Construction work on sports stadiums was in progress with full swing in all the agencies headquarters on the directives of Governor NWFP Lt. Gen. (R) Al Muhammad Jan Aurakzai.—Agencies