Youth And Women’s T20 Leagues At The Heart Of Pakistan Cricket’s Bold Vision

Earlier in the year, intrigued Associate chiefs fielded calls from charismatic Pakistan Cricket Board chair Ramiz Raja who had hit the ground running since taking on a gig universally known as a poisoned chalice.

They were immediately taken by the pitch from Raja, whose grand plan involved a T20 league in Pakistan aimed at players aged from 15-19. It would comprise the most talented youngsters in Pakistan and abroad – including the Associates who are generally desperate for more exposure – while incorporating a draft to mimic the equalization system commonly utilized in American sports.

Months later, Raja’s proposal became a reality with the first edition of the six-team Pakistan Junior League ongoing in Lahore culminating in a final on October 22. Those playing earn between $6000-$16,000 amid a $66 million budget from the PCB, who have taken ownership of it.

Team mentors include legendary cricketers Sir Viv Richards and Javed Miandad.

For a nation not hesitant in throwing incredibly young players in the deep end of international cricket, the PJL is hoped to provide a high-profile pathway, especially for those from tough backgrounds who may have slipped through the cracks previously.

“We have a habit in Pakistan of introducing young talent to the world,” Raja told me. “We are trying to create a development pathway, a route they can follow.”

Raja, a former Pakistan captain before transitioning into an engaging and popular broadcaster, said there was strong interest from overseas with around 150 players putting their hand up to be part of the inaugural edition. Eventually, 24 players from 11 countries made the cut, including from Full Members England, Afghanistan, South Africa and West Indies, and the concept is hoped to catch on around the world.

“This is a prototype. We’re the first cricket country to experiment with this and we’ve had great response from cricket boards,” Raja said.

The inventive idea represents an opportunity for Raja to put his stamp on Pakistan cricket and create a pipeline of T20 talent, a format this traditionally mercurial team have been relatively strong at.

Identifying youth early and giving them a big stage to perform in their formative years could unlock Pakistan and set them up for a golden era in the short format. Through its pathway program, 100 of the most talented youngsters in Pakistan had been spotted, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds who receive stipends amid commercial support.

“We want to make sure these kids feel comfortable,” Raja said. “It sets them up for a chance at success in cricket and if they are good enough then there is a pathway.”

Raja has also been keen to power women’s cricket, which has taken time to develop in the subcontinent compared to trendsetters Australia and England who boast thriving T20 franchise leagues. The subcontinent has been slow to replicate, but leagues in Pakistan and India are set to finally launch in March.

Earlier this month the PCB announced a four-team women’s T20 league will run alongside next year’s Pakistan Super League.

Raja, who has been a keen proponent of a women’s PSL since taking the reins, has naturally lofty visions for Pakistan’s women, whose national team lost in the semi-final to Sri Lanka by just one run at last month’s Asia Cup.

“A women’s PSL will be huge in developing women’s cricket and will be a great product,” he said. “The dream is one day for Pakistan to play India in the final of a World Cup.

“And Pakistan, of course, winning.”