KARACHI, June 23: The Customs Cricket Academy (CCA) will launch a month-long under-16 free coaching camp in Rawalpindi from July 1, former Test paceman Jalaluddin, the chief CCA coach, announced on Saturday.

Sponsored by Arif Habib Investments, the programme, featuring 25 cricketers from the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, will be held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The CCA had previously held such camps at Bahawalnagar and Hyderabad, Jalaluddin said while addressing a press briefing.

“The aim behind this ‘catch them young’ scheme is to lift Pakistan cricket. We are giving importance to the under-16 age group since it’s the appropriate period for molding and grooming young talent,” he said.

Jalaluddin, one of the most qualified coaches in Pakistan, pointed out that the programme will be held in two segments.

“In the first phase Rawalpindi and Islamabad cricket associations will each pick 25 youngsters through open trials. And then the CCA panel of coaches would shortlist 25 players for the coaching programme.”

Besides Jalaluddin, who has the distinction of claiming the first hat-trick in One-day Internationals (against Australia at Hyderabad in 1982-83), the panel of coaches includes Haris Ahmed Khan, Taimur Khan and Sabih Azhar. They will be assisted by Ghiasuddin, Aamir Iqbal, Rashid Ali and physical trainer Irfan Sheikh during the July 1-31 coaching camp.

The programme is designed to cover all five vital areas of the game – physical, technical, tactical, mental and life style.

Chairman of national selection committee, Salahuddin Ahmed, CCA founder Khalil Masood and Arif Habib, the chief executive of the sponsor also spoken on the occasion.