Looking for talent, PCB goes hi-tech

KARACHI, August 4

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has found a unique way to tap budding talent.

It is learnt that the PCB will shortly launch a website on which any player, who believes he is good enough to be considered for competitive cricket, can post a short video of his batting or bowling and other details about himself.

“These videos will then be viewed on a regular basis by the coaches at the NCA. If the coaches find anyone good enough, he will be called to the NCA for further trials,” one board official said.

He said the idea to launch the website was floated by board’s chairman Shahryar Khan, who was fed up of hearing complaints about favouritism in selection and genuine talent being ignored.

“The idea is to not only expand the base but to also ensure no deserving player is ignored in future,” the official said. He pointed out that as internet facilities were now available even in the remote areas of Pakistan, the board was expecting a strong response to the initiative. The PCB and its selection committee have in recent times increased their stress on unearthing new talent and currently Pakistan’s former captain and fast bowling great Wasim Akram is supervising a short camp for young pacers in Karachi.

Kiwis give Zimbabwe a massive thrashing

harare: Openers Martin Guptill and Tom Latham struck centuries as New Zealand crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in the second One-day International on Tuesday. Chasing 236 to level the three-match series at Harare Sports Club, Guptill finished unbeaten on 116 while Latham was 110 not out as New Zealand achieved the target with almost eight overs to spare.

My heroes were Australians, says Broad

sydney: England fast bowler Stuart Broad, whose father Chris was an Ashes star, has revealed that his cricketing heroes were Australian players. Broad, who is just one wicket away from entering the elite 300-club, said although he was very proud of what he had achieved in Ashes cricket, his actual heroes weren't English. Broad said he used to enjoy watching Australian players succeed, while calling Glenn McGrath as his childhood hero.