The Lahore Cricket Academy is on its way. On Monday, 2nd July, 2001 operations start off with the 1st coaching course. The offer made by the Pakistan Cricket Board to interested Pakistani expatriates to send their children for cricket coaching received an overwhelming response. 30 young cricketers have been picked for the first 2-week course out of a large number of aspirants from USA, Great Britain, Middle East and Pakistan.

The boys fall in the age group of 12 - 18 and will be put through a full range of specialist coaching in batting, bowling and fielding under the supervision of Intikhab Alam, a former Pakistan captain, coach and manager. Modern bowling and catching machines will be used apart from coaching and practice in the nets under a panel of expert coaches.

The academy is a part of a posh country club-cum-holiday resort located amidst fascinating rural countryside near Lahore. It's more like a dreamland equipped with facilities like a gymnasium, swimming pool, jogging track, orchards and lakes for boating and sailing.

The cricket academy is an advanced institution that offers vast opportunities for young and upcoming cricketers. Kamran Rasheed Awan, Manager of the Club who is busy organizing the course, when interviewed on the subject explained:

"The academy aims to propel rising cricket enthusiasts on to a serious coaching platform and offers incomparable opportunity to those who desire to achieve excellence in cricket. This is the 1st course since its inception 3 months ago. The 2nd course will be from 16-30 July 2001. The coaching program has been specially designed for young players eager to learn the best techniques and traditions of cricket."

Kamran further emphasized that a group of young aspirants from various parts of Pakistan was purposely inducted in the course so that the boys born and bred abroad can merge with their local counterparts to learn about Pakistan's history, geography and culture. Special attention will also be paid to physical fitness of the trainees.

The academy has around 200 aspirants on its list and they will be inducted in subsequent courses as per their convenience. In the end, he thanked the PCB for patronizing the academy and Cricinfo for projecting their noble cause.

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