OKARA, Nov 15: Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board, Lt Gen Tauqir Zia has said cricket coaching centres organised along modern lines will be established across the country, where children of 9 years and above will be provided professional coaching.

He was addressing at the inaugural of the cricket academy at the Okara stadium Thursday.

He said such academies would initially be set up in 20 districts only, with the network to be extended to others parts of the country.

Talking about Sri Lanka team’s visit to Pakistan next month, he said five one-day international matches would be played.

The PCB chief observed that hockey also needs to be promoted like cricket, as participation in such sports is a healthy trend that should be encouraged. Sports can also protect children from anti-social activities, he added.

Mian Munir, President of the Lahore Division sports body said during his address that the development of cricket had been ignored so far, only the present Cricket Board has taken the initiative to promote the game by establishing training centres and academies.

It was disclosed that the government had approved Rs 2.5 million for the uplift of Okara stadium, but with the financial support of private sector only Rs 1.25 million of that amount had been spent.—APP