Pakistan Cricket Board considers US development programme for rising talents

By Bilal Ahmed — 25 June 2026 — 3 min read

PCB explores international training for player development

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is exploring a development programme in the United States aimed at enhancing the skills of promising cricketers. This initiative seeks to provide players with exposure to new training methods and learning environments, with a particular focus on power-hitting and injury rehabilitation. Mike Hesson, the white-ball head coach, confirmed that the PCB is looking into sending a group of cricketers abroad as part of this proposed programme.

The multi-month initiative is designed to improve players’ power-hitting capabilities in a different environment. It also aims to address the fitness regimes of talented individuals whose careers have been affected by injuries. Hesson mentioned that the programme would offer access not only to power-hitting expertise but also to different learning environments, allowing players to spend several months in one location to gain fresh perspectives and ideas.

The PCB’s Director of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Dr. Javed Mughal, has previously stressed the non-negotiable importance of fitness in professional sports. He noted that the PCB has developed a comprehensive testing and screening battery that is being applied to all players. Hesson indicated that the US programme involves collaboration beyond just strength and conditioning, with Mughal playing a role in changing how players are trained and assessed.

Ali Raza among talents considered for US programme

Among the players being considered for this proposed development programme is Ali Raza, an 18-year-old fast bowler. Raza is regarded as one of Pakistan’s most promising white-ball pace prospects. He played a significant role in Pakistan’s ACC Under-19 Asia Cup victory, where he took four wickets for 42 runs in the final against India, including the dismissal of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Earlier in the year, Raza further demonstrated his potential by achieving a hat-trick for Peshawar Zalmi in the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). In that tournament, he secured 10 wickets across five matches. Despite these achievements, Raza has not yet made his international debut, and the PCB is focused on carefully managing his fitness and workload as he progresses towards international cricket.

Hesson highlighted the importance of managing Raza’s physical condition to meet the demands of international competition. He explained that while there are no more injuries among pacers in Pakistan than elsewhere globally, the focus is on ensuring Raza is fit and strong enough to handle sustained pace and multiple spells. Hesson noted that Raza is exciting when bowling at his top speed, but the physical pressures increase with higher stakes, necessitating work on his body to cope with these demands.

The proposed US programme is expected to provide selected players with access to specialised coaching and sports science expertise, alongside a new training environment over an extended period. While the specific players for the programme have not yet been confirmed by the PCB, Raza’s inclusion in discussions underscores the board’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and preparing them for the rigours of international cricket. Raza has also been included in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming Asian Games.

Source: geosuper.tv