Ex-Pakistani cricketer Shahid Khan Afridi has talked about his mentorship period with Mardan Warriors in the Pakistan Junior League. Ramiz Raja’s dream project to launch a U-19 competitive T20 league just like PSL became a reality this October as PJL 1 became a massive success in its maiden edition.
Afridi was one of the six mentors for one of the six franchises of the Junior League and certainly is grateful to be a part. He sees potential in the initiative and says it will surely dig out future stars for the national fold.
While talking to Pakistan Cricket Board, he mentioned,
“The PJL is meant for our future stars; it is a concept that is visionary and will bear fruits in the years to come,”
Defining his experience with the Warriors, he said it was what he had desired to work with U-19 cricketers at the grassroots level.
“The Pakistan Junior League was a wonderful experience for me as I finally got an opportunity of working with U19 players, something that I had desired since retiring from international cricket. I have always believed that the best coaching and skills development takes place at the age-group level, as that is when you can groom a player and make the necessary technical adjustments.
Afridi has also announced his availability for future endeavours with the PJL.
“I look forward to contributing to future PJL events and, as always, will remain available to serve Pakistan cricket in any capacity.
While crediting PCB for the bigger success of the PJL, he said
“The PCB deserves credit for coming up with this unique concept. The success of the first season augurs well for the future of the tournament.”
The former all-rounder further stated that he was delighted to come across the mentorship opportunity for the Warriors.
“I was delighted when the Pakistan Cricket Board offered me the mentorship role for the Mardan Warriors. I didn’t give it a second thought and immediately worked out my schedule to ensure that I remain committed to the two-week tournament window,” he said.
He has mentioned that things were not totally clear to him as he joined the team a day before the tournament began in Lahore.
“I joined the team a day before the beginning of the tournament in Lahore, it was a bit of an unknown for me, but the moment I met the boys and the team management, I felt at home,”
PJL has the potential to shape the future of our cricket: Shahid Afridi
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— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) October 25, 2022
