Pakistan U19 team manager suggests that PCB is hoping to organise a three nation competition later this year in the United Arab Emirates, involving Sri Lanka and England.

By Saj Sadiq (20th August, 2013)

Pakistan Under 19s successful tour of England ended yesterday with a comprehensive 192 run win over their English counterparts at Trent Bridge. Set 344 to win after Sami Aslam’s brilliant 110 and Shayan Jahangir’s 85, England were skittled for 151 from only 33 overs with left arm spinner Zafar Gohar taking 4 for 25.

The Pakistan Under 19s played seven matches on the tour of England, winning six games with one no result and were a class apart from their English and Bangladeshi opponents. The all round strength of the team meant that they were rarely troubled throughout the tour with only England pushing them last Friday at Derby.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony at Trent Bridge team manager Ali Zia was jubilant as he praised the organisers, the ECB and all players who took part in the tournament. “It’s been a successful tour and I am very proud of all of the boys and all of the backroom staff who’ve worked so hard ahead of and during this tour. I would also like to thank the ECB, umpires and everyone else who has been involved in this tour.”

Zia who is employed by the PCB as an administrator at the National Cricket Academy added “We can return to Pakistan proud of our achievements and also satisfied that the players have been very good ambassadors for Pakistan and the PCB. We’ve seen some excellent cricket played by all three teams that took part in the competition and I’m sure that we will see some of these boys across all three teams go onto play for their respective countries.”

Zia also added that it was important for more Under 19 series to be organised and added that the PCB is looking to host a tri-nation tournament later this year in UAE.“The tournament that we have seen between England, Pakistan and Bangladesh is crucial in the development of these young men and the PCB is hoping to organise a three nation competition later this year in the United Arab Emirates, involving Sri Lanka and England. I cannot confirm dates yet, but we are very hopeful that the tournament will take place.”

Discuss