LAHORE: Former Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali has emerged as a frontrunner to be appointed in a new, senior position in the country’s cricket board, to look after its youth development program, the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency reported on Wednesday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) advertised for the position of Director Youth Cricket on its website on Wednesday only, with October 31 the deadline for interested candidates to apply.

The position requires the candidates to have played at least 50 Test matches for their country.

According to an insider, Azhar is the favourite for the post as he has also expressed his interest in working with the junior level players and improving the system, PTI reported.

“Another former captain, Mohammad Yousuf is also keen on working in this position and was one reason why he resigned as national selector,” the insider said.

The PCB has created the new post to ensure the appointed candidate will work from the under-13 to under-19 levels with the regional coaches, academies and players.

He will also be tasked with scouting new talent and grooming it through a proper system.

The insider said another reason for creating this post was to end politics and age verification frauds in the age group tournaments.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2024