HYDERABAD, Nov 29: Mohsin Hasan Khan, Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Regional General Manager, Sindh has said that the board plans to groom cricketers at the grass roots level so that at least one replacement may always be available for the national side, hoping the board will achieve the target in two, three years.

Speaking to Dawn while witnessing the Pakistan-Bangladesh U-19 one-dayer here at the Niaz Stadium on Wednesday, Mohsin, Pakistan’s former Test opener, said he was delighted to see talent among U-19 and U-16 players.

“So far there have been talks alone that Pakistan has huge potential and talent among youngsters but this latent talent is now being discovered,” said Mohsin.

He emphasised U-16 and U-19 players are the future of Pakistan cricket, while giving the example of Australia.

“Where were Australia some 10, 12 years ago? They discovered the talent at the grass roots level and promoted them, and that’s why they now have two to three back-up players for each position in the national squad,” he said.

While noting the shortage of adequate replacements, affecting the national team’s performance, Mohsin stated Pakistan was now doing the same, but added that it would take around two to three years.