LAHORE: Pakistan is closing in on Australia’s level of excellence with its national cricket academy and its talent is becoming renowned, said former South African allrounder Mike Procter on Sunday. “I dont think Australians are that far superior to other countries, they were the first country to start off the academy and other countries have followed the suit and are close to their level of excellence in terms of whole structure of cricket,” Procter told reporters during his visit to Pakistan’s national cricket academy.
The academy – the first set up in the country at an estimated cost of around one million dollars – has all of the modern facilities of the Australian cricket academy in Adelaide.
It opened in June and has indoor nets with practice pitches imported from Australia, and 30 residential rooms for players to stay during training. “Australians are superiors in terms of the administration and sponsorship, and the results are evident in their team’s performances,” said Procter, who played seven Tests for South Africa in the late 1960s and is now an ICC (International Cricket Council) match referee. “I think Australia is on a bit (of a) high at the moment, which is evident from their national side doing very well. Everyone is going to look at how cricketers are produced and find positive answers to these questions.”
Pakistan has a chance to produce some great cricketers and has been renowned for a country where superstars can emerge as early as the ages of 15 to 17, he said. “I think Pakistan cricket is always healthy,” said Procter, who is here as match referee to oversee the Pakistan-Bangladesh series. —AFP
Thats the best thing to happen under Tauqir Zia’s tenure. One of its kind and very surprising to see such excellent facilites available to players. Credit goes to Zia and Ramiz Raja for this positive activity :k: PCB usually doesnt do positive acitivites but this one is surely a great step taken.
Now you have mentioned name of Tauqir Zia, let the Junaid/Tauqir Zia bashing begin.
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You know, I find it ironic that there are actually more than two people (Aamir/Ramiz being the other two) who would defend Junaid's selection, when there's clear evidence of the fact that better bowlers standing in the line were stepped over.
Mike Proctor is having brain farts. He is just a frikkin referee. His views are based on Pakistan's performance against the Bangs. Pakistani team is no where near the caliber of the Aussies.
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*Originally posted by funguy: *
Mike Proctor is having brain farts. He is just a frikkin referee. His views are based on Pakistan's performance against the Bangs. Pakistani team is no where near the caliber of the Aussies.
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Buddy...i agree Pakistani team is not equal to Aussies yet...but i think u have over estimated them....they r good, just because of good administration...there is nothing wrong with Paki players or their talent......is some serious step has been taken at last to consider their adminstration and coaching too...then we should appreciate it...no more pessimism :)....
I say hold a grand ceremony where Proctor is awarded the -highly valuable- Pakistani nationality. 2 years down make him the head of PCB and then 4 years down the road make him the president of Pakistan.
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*Originally posted by funguy: *
Mike Proctor is having brain farts. He is just a frikkin referee. His views are based on Pakistan's performance against the Bangs. Pakistani team is no where near the caliber of the Aussies.
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I think he was commenting more on the national academy facitities which do look pretty good, they showed clips on ARY. You're right though, Aussie league infrastructure is way ahead but it's step in the right direction anyway.
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*Originally posted by funguy: *
Mike Proctor is having brain farts. He is just a frikkin referee. His views are based on Pakistan's performance against the Bangs. Pakistani team is no where near the caliber of the Aussies.
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Welcome back FG, but why are you dragging KK down to the level of General. :p
