ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday approved a framework for promotion of school and domestic cricket in the country.
Lauding the contribution of outgoing Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani for promotion of cricket, the Prime Minister wrote in a tweet: “I especially appreciate his (Mani) setting up, for the first time, a regional domestic cricket structure in Pakistan and his role in bringing back international cricket teams to Pakistan.” 
Earlier, chairing a presentation on domestic cricket in Pakistan, with a special focus on school cricket, PM Imran Khan approved a framework for promotion of school cricket in particular and domestic cricket in general, advising the Central Punjab Cricket Association for implementing the model in its entirety. “The framework should be replicated all over Pakistan strategically,” he issued instructions to the concerned authorities. 
The Prime Minister was given a presentation on domestic cricket in Pakistan, with a special focus on school cricket by Chairman of Central Punjab Cricket Association (CPCA), Abdullah Khan Sumbal. The presentation was also attended by Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination Dr Fehmida Mirza, Special Assistant to PM Dr Shahbaz Gill, PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan and CPCA CEO Khurram Niazi. 
The PM assured his full support to the school cricket championship beginning in Central Punjab from 15th of next month. He noted that the school cricket has immense potential to generate and groom real cricketing talent. Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged all provinces to focus on reviving sports and providing sports facilities to youth.
Later, in his tweets, the Prime Minister said 870 schools and 231 college grounds, and 355 sports facilities have been developed across Punjab. “Pleased to review efforts of Punjab for revival of school cricket, esp role of Cent Punjab Cricket Assoc. 870 schools & 231 college grounds, 355 sports facilities developed across Punjab. I urge all provinces to focus on reviving sports & providing sports facilities for our youth,” Imran Khan tweeted.
The premier thanked Ehsan Mani for his contribution to cricket in Pakistan during his three-year tenure as Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board. He appreciated his setting up of a regional domestic cricket structure in the country and his role in bringing back international cricket teams to Pakistan. 
It is worth mentioning here that Ehsan Mani has recently refused the one-year extension offered, making way for the new PCB chief, as Ramiz Raja is set to take over the reign of Pakistan Cricket Board as its chairman, with an aim of resetting Pakistan cricket’s GPS and bringing excellence in the entire cricketing system. 
Prime Minister Imran Khan will nominate two members, potentially Ramiz Raja and Asad Ali Khan, for PCB’s governing board. The board will then elect the next chairman on September 13. Historically, one of the PM-nominated members is elected on the post.