Rethinking Pakistan cricket from the ground up
For Aqib Javed, rebuilding Pakistan cricket isn’t about slogans or staffing changes — it’s about structure, system, and substance. Speaking on episode 38 of the PCB’s official podcast, the former fast bowler and current National Cricket Academy (NCA) director laid out an unfiltered vision for transforming the sport in the country.
At the heart of his plan is a complete overhaul of Pakistan’s cricketing infrastructure, led by a revitalised National Cricket Academy. “We have big plans for the NCA [National Cricket Academy], including the establishment of a fully functional biomechanics laboratory,” he said, underlining a long-overdue investment in science and data-backed training.
The lab, which has been dormant since 2006 despite being ICC-accredited, is finally set to go live. “The good news is that this lab, which had not been operational since 2006 and has been accredited by the ICC, is set to be functional in the upcoming months,” he revealed. This will enable the board to address both legality and quality. “With this facility, we will be able to identify illegal bowling actions and work on improving players’ performance,” he added.
But facilities are only one part of the picture. Aqib spoke at length about the broader vision for the NCA and its place in world cricket. In doing so, he also acknowledged the leadership driving the current transformation. “I have seen everyone. They want to do something, but they do not have the capability. Decisions have to be taken. And the stadium that you are seeing — the way it has been done — I do not think any other person could have done this work,” he said, in a clear nod to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. “And now, the new plan of the NCA, the new plan that has been made — our aim is that this NCA… our thought process is that we want to make this NCA the best high-performance centre in the world again.”
Looking back to go forward
Aqib’s confidence in Pakistan’s high-performance potential isn’t baseless — it’s rooted in history. “In 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006, the people who were present here will bear witness that the National Cricket Academy was one of the best academies in the world,” he said. In fact, the reputation of Pakistan’s facilities once attracted attention from across the border. “In 2006, India’s president requested that they wanted to see our NCA, to study it and understand what kind of setup we had built. After that, post-2006, they went on to build their own NCA.”
That respect, it seems, has resurfaced. “Now there are some calls coming in from India, and requests coming in regarding their fast bowlers — that they need guidelines,” Aqib disclosed.
Global ambitions through overseas pathways
Aqib’s plans extend far beyond Lahore. He views Pakistan’s role in the global cricket development ecosystem as increasingly important. “Foreign and overseas players can now come to Pakistan for training, and we have already hosted players from the Netherlands and England,” he said, referencing the PCB’s overseas pathway programme.
That programme is only just beginning. “This programme will eventually expand worldwide,” Aqib noted, positioning Pakistan not just as a talent exporter, but also as a coaching and development hub.
Yet Aqib is not just measuring the programme’s value by the number of participants — he wants Pakistan’s systems tested against global standards. “Until we challenge ourselves, we won’t know where we stand internationally, how capable our coaches are, or how strong our systems truly are,” he stressed.
Even in the face of political tension, the response to the PCB’s efforts has crossed borders. When asked about India’s ongoing outreach despite diplomatic strains, Aqib offered a characteristically measured take. “Common people think differently, while bureaucracy approaches things in its own way,” he said.
Learning from India’s rise
Interestingly, the current director of Pakistan’s cricket development system has turned to India’s recent white-ball dominance for insights. “I have looked at India’s success and have tried to execute plans for the betterment of Pakistan cricket,” he said. From the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean to the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup, India’s recent wins have left a clear mark.
The lesson? It all comes down to talent. “Any cricket nation’s success is based on the quality of its talent,” Aqib observed. For him, Pakistan’s real issue wasn’t coaching or leadership — it was the erosion of structural basics. “I think we fell away in doing the basic things correctly in our cricket system,” he admitted. “No matter who you appoint as captain, coach or selector, unless you have quality talent, nothing changes.”
Infrastructure, competition, and mental strength
The challenge, then, is building that talent pool — and sustaining it. “Quality of talent can be assured by increasing bench strength and competition, and this is only possible with proper infrastructure and system,” he said.
And in the modern era, raw skill isn’t enough. Aqib pointed to the added burden today’s players face. “Nowadays, talent is also about mental strength because players are constantly under scrutiny,” he explained.
Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic — particularly ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. “Indications are all there. We have good players, they have combined well and importantly there is a choice of players now,” he said. Playing in Sri Lanka, he noted, should benefit Pakistan. “If the World Cup had been in Australia or South Africa, I would have thought differently. But this is the best time for the team to do well.”
On criticism and accountability
As a selector, Aqib is no stranger to pressure. But he says criticism only becomes an issue when performance fails. “The criticism is an aftershock; it only comes after a poor performance. Why should I mind it?” he said. For him, the solution is simple. “The only way you can avoid being criticised is to do well.”
From high-performance centres and biomechanics labs to player mentality and international exchange, Aqib Javed’s comments offer a rare and detailed look into the mechanics of cricket reform. And if his vision for Pakistan’s cricket future plays out, it may not just reshape a team — it could redefine a cricketing model for the world to study once again.
