Twin cities regions demand cricket grounds possession.

Byline: Mohsin Ali

ISLAMABAD -- Islamabad Region has produced a number of top class players, who not only served the region and departments but also the country, but it was all due to the international-standard cricket grounds available to the youth of the capital.

No one can doubt the commitment and efforts being rendered by Islamabad Region President Shakil Shakih, who was also very powerful member of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) governing body. He also played instrumental role in introducing domestic cricket formats and his contributions towards Pakistan cricket is no secret. Had Shakil Shaikh not used his good offices and not fought case of Islamabad cricket grounds with former prime minister Shoukat Aziz and then CDA chairman Kamran Lashari, Islamabad cricket would have long been died and Pakistan cricket would never had such luxury of international stars, who are excelling at international level.

At a time in 2006-7, when Shoukat Aziz had decided to construct 7th and 9th Avenues, three major cricket grounds, including Marghazar, Diamond and Lal Quarters, fell due to construct of roads, it was Shakil, who ran from post to pillar to convince the government finally bow down and allocate separate piece of land for construction of cricket grounds. The state-of-the-art cricket grounds in the federal capital are due to tireless efforts of Shakil.

Shakil Shaikh took over the reins of Islamabad Region way back in 1999, when there was not a single top level cricket ground available in the twin cities with only exception of Pindi Stadium. As soon as cricket grounds were available to Islamabad, the region started producing Test cricketers like Rao Iftikahr Ahmed, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Hassan Ali and first class and international players like Asher Zaidi, Raheel Majeed, Abid Ali, Sohail Tanveer, Umar Amin, Awais Zia and others.

Babar Azam, Shan Masood, Abid Ali and Hassan Ali were never considered by their respective cities and regions and it was Islamabad Region, which provided them break and revive the careers of a number of international players like Hafeez, Umar Gul, Ahmed Shahzad, Yasir Arafat, Yasir Hameed, Shoaib Malik, Shoaib Akhtar and others, who were struggling to get a chance. It was Islamabad Region, which always provided launching pad to deserving/talented cricketers.

Shadab Khan and other renowned cricketers took huge benefit from world-class cricket grounds in Islamabad. But now CDA has already occupied two top class grounds...