Lahore - Beaconhouse National University (BNU) vice chancellor Shahid Hafeez Kardar and son of Pakistan’s first Test captain Abdul Hafeez Kardar (late), called upon Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahayar M Khan here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.

Various issues of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting. Having recently shared PCB’s plans to revive university cricket at a meeting of vice chancellors of various universities,

PCB chairman discussed these ideas in detail with Shahid Kardar. “While the revival of club cricket is necessary, the PCB is also keen to develop linkages with educational institutions across the country in order to further strengthen the game at the grassroots level,” said Shaharyar.

The PCB chief also shared his plans for the recently-announced nationwide school cricket tournament. The tournament known as ‘Hafeez Kardar Cup’ would be organised by the PCB and be administered by all the 16 regions. “The junior selectors will be tasked to monitor this tournament with the best players being shortlisted for training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.”

Shahid Kardar thanked the PCB chairman for honoring his late father Abdul Hafeez Kardar, by naming the planned school cricket championship after his name. In a bid to promote grassroots cricket in Pakistan, he announced a trophy and cash award of Rs 100,000 for ‘best school player of the year’ on behalf of the Kardar family.

“Cricket is a unifying force and a key tool for national integration. I wish the PCB success in its efforts to further promote the game in the country,” Shahid Kardar added.