Wahab Riaz in conversation with Aqib Javed in PCB Podcast

Lahore, 9 June 2025: Director High-Performance Aqib Javed appeared in the 63rd episode of the PCB Podcast which was hosted by former Test fast bowler Wahab Riaz. In the episode, Aqib discussed about various academy projects covering Men’s, Women’s cricket as well as age-group cricket. Over 50-minute Podcast, which is available here, Aqib shared his thoughts on enhancing coach education system.

On his vision for the High-Performance Centre, Aqib Javed said, “The role of NCA needs to be clearly defined. Its primary function should be to fill the gaps evident in the Pakistan team across all three formats. We have compiled a list of players, identifying a need to have three backup players on the back of one player.”

On the allocation of academies for different age groups and women cricketers, Aqib revealed, “The Karachi High Performance Centre will now cater to women cricketers, providing facilities to support their diet, training and skill development. The Multan HPC will be dedicated to U19 players, with a group of 30 selected for specialised training. The Faisalabad centre will be used for U17 players, while Sialkot’s HPC will focus on grooming 30 U15 players.”

On the upgradation of facilities at the High-Performance Centre, Aqib said, “A biomechanics laboratory will be set up at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. This will not only help assess bowling actions but also support injury prevention from the U15 level to first-class cricket players. We have also acquired new coaching tools to help batters, bowlers and fielders enhance their skills.

“Also, we are acquiring Baseball technology to improve the art of spin bowling and launching an information portal at the NCA to highlight its activities, which will be reintegrated with regional cricket.”

Talking about the short and long term plans he has set for himself as Director High Performance, he said, “Over the next six months, I have set myself a target to bring about visible improvement. We are coordinating with head coach Mike Hesson to identify areas where players need focused development. The long-term plan focuses on nurturing U15, U17, and U19 players.”

On Coach Education Course, he said, “We already have qualified coaches from Level 1 to Level 4. It is a misconception that Pakistan lack coaches. We are going to introduce ‘game education’, which will cover coach, umpire, trainer and physio education. This will expand the pool of qualified professionals and boost their confidence.

“After completing the Level 3 coaching course, coaches will need to specialise in a specific area batting, bowling or fielding. This will enhance their expertise and then they will go to work with franchise cricket.”

When asked what he wants to achieve as an administrator after working in the current post, Aqib replied, “I have set a target for the next six months where noticeable progress can be seen. After a year, I want people to say, what great facilities this academy has.”

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