Arrangements for U-19 camp finalised

Islamabad, Nov4 : Arrangements to hold the Pakistan under-19 camp have been finalised at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium but the strength of probables at the venue was not expected to be more than half because of on-going Quaid-i-Azam Trophy.

There is a clash between the two activities and since most of the juniors are part of various institutions, which are presently engaged in Quaid's Trophy. This observation was made by camp incharge, former Test bowler, Sarfraz Nawaz.

The national camp gets underway from Monday whereas the on-going Trophy fixtures will end in December.

Sarfraz said that the previous ad hoc committee did not provide any provision for preparation of national under-19 cricket team for the forthcoming Youth World Cup starting January 11, 2000, in Sri Lanka.

The two Quaid's Trophy matches scheduled at Rawalpindi Stadium have already been shifted to other grounds to accommodate the national junior camp.

It was maintained that the 35 boys, announced for the camp will only join the first leg of the preparation camp in batches.

For instance, ten junior cricketers, who have been picked for the camp are part of the Pakistan Reserve squad, while others are playing for various institutions.

Sarfraz said that stress would be laid on physical fitness during the early part of training camp. The second session willbe fixed for technical drills in batting and bowling.

It was learnt that during the camp the same quality red ball will be used as in Sri Lanka.

The second phase of training camp to be held in Karachi was suggested to provide conditions similar to what the cricketers will face while in Sri Lanka.

Sarfraz Ahmed, a RDCA official, has been named as coordinating official for the camp, whereas a couple of local coaches will also be attached with the camp starting on Nov 8