KARACHI, Dec 23: Former Test opener Sadiq Mohammad believes that strengthening and patronising of club cricket is vital for development of the game in Pakistan.

“Club cricket is base for producing, nurturing and grooming the talent of cricketers because this is the area from where majority cricketers come,” he said while speaking as a guest of honour at the annual prize distribution ceremony of the Royal Cricket Club on Saturday.

“It is the duty of cricket associations around the country to provide them proper platform for the competitive club cricket to hone their skill,” Sadiq stressed.

Discarded Pakistan opener Khurram Manzoor, who also plays for the club, lauded the services of the club and their outstanding performances in different events including Ramazan cricket.

Khurram was of the view that if the players are encouraged it motivates them to perform even better in future.

Former first-class cricketer and renowned cricket writer/broadcaster Qamar Ahmed complimented the club for organising such a glittering ceremony every year.

Chief organiser and former first-class cricketer Zaheer Ahmed said the club was formed five years ago and it had already made their mark by winning various events of the city.

Later Sadiq Mohammad, Khurram Manzoor and Qamar Ahmed also distributed the awards and cash prizes of Rs200,000 among the players and officials.—APP