Pakistan Test star Imran Nazir opens Sharjah academy

Sharjah: Pakistan Test batsman Imran Nazir inspired the players at a newly formed cricket academy in Sharjah by giving a pep talk and imparting tips.

Nazir, who was the chief guest for the opening ceremony of the Playwood Cricket Academy, located behind Sharjah Cricket Stadium, cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the academy and mixed freely with the youngsters. Nazir, who opens the batting for Pakistan, showed them how to hold the bat in order to play correctly.

Speaking after a long session with the academy players, Nazir said: “I feel proud that many Pakistanis here think about sports besides doing business. Cricket is today the most favourite sport of all Asians, be it Pakistanis, Indians, Sri Lankans, Bangladeshis, and of the Afghan community. Regular coaching polishes the skills of the players and I appreciate the efforts of Chaudhary Amjad Iqbal [CEO of Playwoood Academy] to start such an institution.”

Iqbal said the academy is being launched with 23 students.

“We will increase the number of students. Mushtaq Nazir and Sajjad Abbasi will be coaching the students,” he said.

Khalid Hussain, President of the Pakistan Social Centre, and Jamil Ishaq, Chairman of the Lakaz Group, attended the inauguration, while Zulfiqar Shah is the manager of Playwood Cricket Academy.

Iqbal also revealed he is launching a tournament in a bid to curb the habit of smoking. It will be called the 2B Anti Smoking Al Etihad Cricket Cup and will begin on Thursday at Zabeel Park in Dubai with eight teams.

“This tournament will be held till August 6th under floodlights with a Twenty20 format,” he said.

“Sports is essential for the health of every person. This will be the first time a tournament is being staged under the theme of anti-smoking.

“We felt it was our duty to guide the young generation and teach them to avoid smoking and bring them towards sports. During this tournament we will distribute brochures on the harmful effects of smoking.

“We are happy that 2B energy drink and GEO Property are supporting our anti-smoking campaign. We recently hosted the 2B Al Etihad Cup tournament during Ramadan and we want to reach out to more youngsters.”