Former International Cricket Council (ICC) President Zaheer Abbas on Tuesday said girls were taking keen interest in the game of cricket and could not wait to get on the field to play.

Speaking at the National Press Club (NPC) in Islamabad on Tuesday, Zaheer Abbas, who was representing the Punjab Sports Board, said an academy would also be established in Karachi for women cricketers.

“Our first priority is to promote and encourage the game of cricket in the country,” he said.

He said we want cricket to be get more encouragement in Punjab.

“Yesterday I inaugurated an academy in Rawalpindi and more academies will also be set up in Lahore, Sialkot and Multan,” he said.

Abbas said best coaches would also be hired for the academies. “I believe the game of cricket would get better and developed in the country in the next three years,” he said.

The former ICC president went on to say that talented youth would also be brought to fore.

Responding to a question regarding damaging of Abdul Razzaq's career, he said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could answer it better.