Due to the increase in cricket in Peshawar, there is a need for zoning reforms, Malik Farman Ali

Due to the increase in cricket in Peshawar, there is a need for zoning reforms, Malik Farman Ali

PESHAWAR: Malik Farman Ali, Managing Director of Malik International Cricket Academy, has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to implement zoning in Peshawar, akin to Karachi and Islamabad,

citing a rapid increase in cricket’s popularity and club numbers in the region. Speaking to journalists, Ali emphasized his long-standing commitment to nurturing young cricketers from Peshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since establishing the city’s first private cricket club in 2002.

Under Ali’s guidance, numerous players have ascended to international and domestic cricket levels, with some making notable contributions to Afghanistan’s national team. Reflecting on Peshawar’s historical significance in Pakistan’s cricketing landscape, Ali highlighted the city’s role in producing talented cricketers who have served the national team with distinction.

Ali stressed the need for Peshawar to be divided into four distinct zones to better manage the burgeoning cricketing activities across urban and suburban areas. His own academy, accredited as an International Academy, has become a hub for training players from Peshawar and neighboring regions, as well as from Afghanistan.

Currently, the academy hosts players across various age categories, nurturing talent from grassroots levels upwards. Ali expressed optimism that zoning Peshawar would not only enhance cricket development but also provide structured opportunities for aspiring cricketers to excel.

In conclusion, Ali reaffirmed his dedication to cricket’s growth in Peshawar and called upon PCB to support initiatives aimed at fostering the city’s cricketing potential through strategic zoning.