PCB Chairman mobbed? Photo © PCB

Together in academics - together in sports
Nike Cricket Nursery (NCN) is a non-profit, community project for 7-9 year olds. The idea is to develop basic cricket skills in a healthy, fun-filled environment. This encourages them to learn tolerance and teamwork as children who play together.

The initiative for Nike Cricket Nursery (NCN) was well conceived by renowned Pakistani cricket commentator and critic, Omar Kureishi who has always been a guiding light for the promotion of cricket at grass root level here. Lt Gen Tauqir Zia, Chairman - Pakistan Cricket Board, immediately approved Nike Cricket Nursery on behalf of the PCB. Nike runs the program in association with Pakistan Cricket Board.

No foot movement? It's fun anyway Photo © PCB

"Nike Cricket has been conceived as a community project and the accent is on participation. I hope the children will achieve excellence but that will be a bonus. It will be sufficient if they begin to learn the fundamentals of a game that has so much to teach not only on the field but off it as well." These are the views of Omar Kureishi, the man who visualized the community project and launched it last November.

A thunderbolt, a yorker? Photo © PCB

Omar Kureishi adds, "It's my good luck that we were able to get a sponsor like Nike. When I approached Ghous Akbar (MD Nike) for sponsorship, he agreed without any hesitation. Neither he nor I can take any credit. The credit belongs to the children themselves. They have taken to Nike Cricket enthusiastically and are having a lot of fun."

True to Omar's words, the children have responded overwhelmingly.

A square cut Photo © PCB

On February 10, 2002, the PCB Chairman witnessed the children from 7-11 years being taught the basic skills of the game at National Stadium Karachi and immediately approved of it promising to help take Nike Cricket nationwide. He said that PCB has hired coaches including former Test and First Class cricketers to provide their assistance and coaching for the Nursery's future programs. An interesting point is that Nike is holding the cricket nursery at NSK for the past three months and coaching more than 200 children aged 7-9 free of charge.

Catch it lad! Photo © PCB

PCB Chairman lauded this decision to promote cricket at grass root level and assured them of all possible cooperation for organizing more of such camps. He said that PCB intends to promote the sport at grass root level, open to all without any discrimination as is evident from this camp where children from public sector schools, special schools and SOS Villages are participating.

He appreciated the fact this idea of coaching was conceived by Omar Kureishi and PCB always pays high regard to his good guidance and suggestions. Tauqir Zia also lauded the services of MD Nike, for promotion of cricket.

Four! Thats through the covers Photo © PCB

Omar Kureishi also addressed the ceremony, which was attended by participating children, their parents, teachers and a large number of cricket enthusiasts.

The Nike Cricket Nursery simplifies the game of cricket. Rules are modified according to conditions. Played on a grassy ground (National Stadium Karachi) with specially designed equipment made from high quality moulded plastic, light enough for small hands. The equipment is light, tough, hardwearing and safe, so there is no need for any protective wear.

Presently there are about 200 children enrolled and the highlight is children from low income groups are trained free of charge and also provided free transport.

Now some diving and fielding Photo © PCB

Parents and teachers provide a lot of support and being cricket enthusiasts themselves often join the children on the ground for a few overs. Children play five days a week at the Stadium. The program is not just meant to coach but train them into developing basic cricket skills and to have fun while doing it.

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