LAHORE - Former Pakistan captain and Sports Board Punjab (SBP) Cricket Academies head Zaheer Abbas has inaugurated SBP’s 9th cricket coaching academy at Sheikhupura Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

It may be recalled here that 8 cricket academies (5 for boys and 3 for girls) have already been established in several cities of the province under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab M Shahbaz Sharif. Deputy Commissioner Sheikhupura Arqam Tariq, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mushtaq Tiwana, Assistant Commissioner Shabbir Butt, DSO Liaqat Wattoo, AC Muridke Zahra Dastgeer, top district officials and a large number of cricket enthusiasts were also present at Sheikhupura Cricket Stadium.

Speaking on the occasion Zaheer said: “Cricket is the most popular game among the youth and knowing the passion of the game among masses, a top class cricket academy has been launched in Sheikhupura. The new academy is equipped with all necessary facilities. We are quite confident that the players picked at grassroots level and trained in SBP academies will become part of national cricket team in near future.”

Zaheer said Secretary Sports Punjab M Aamir Jan has a significant role in establishing and running cricket academies in various districts of Punjab. “Two top cricket coaches have been appointed to train the young players at Sheikhupura academy. The chain of top standard cricket academies will be expanded in all major cities of the province.”

Zaheer said he would personally supervise the training activities at Sheikhupura academy. "Training youngsters as per modern requirements is our top priority. These academies will definitely prove to be a great source of international level training in Pakistan.”