Speaking about the academy’s activities, its director and Model Town Zone president Malik Imran Bacha said the initiative was playing an important role in identifying, training and supporting talented young cricketers.
He said the partnership between Lahore Region Cricket Association and Kaizen Paint had successfully continued for the past three years, with a shared objective of providing young players with quality training facilities, a supportive environment and equal opportunities to progress in the sport.
According to Bacha, the collaboration goes beyond conventional sponsorship and represents a practical investment in grassroots cricket. By supporting young players at an early stage, the academy aims to establish a strong foundation for the future of cricket in Lahore and Pakistan.
He said registered players received free training facilities throughout the year, while talented youngsters from financially disadvantaged backgrounds were also provided with monthly stipends to encourage their participation and development.
The academy has introduced a structured training programme under the supervision of qualified coaches, focusing on improving players’ technical abilities and understanding of the modern game.
Daily training sessions include specialised batting, bowling and fielding drills, alongside regular net practice designed to improve consistency, confidence and overall performance.
Bacha said the academy placed equal importance on developing players’ tactical awareness and mental strength. Young cricketers were encouraged to understand different match situations, make effective decisions and perform confidently under pressure.
To provide practical experience, the academy also arranges practice matches at some of Lahore’s leading cricket grounds. These matches allow players to apply the skills learned during training and gain valuable exposure to competitive cricket.
He added that the academy provided uniforms to all participating players, while deserving youngsters were also supplied with essential cricket equipment. The initiative was designed to ensure that financial limitations did not prevent talented children from pursuing their sporting ambitions.
Bacha praised LRCA President Khawaja Nadeem Ahmed for his commitment to strengthening grassroots cricket and creating opportunities for emerging players.
He said that under Nadeem’s leadership, the association had placed particular emphasis on talent identification and development through club cricket, school cricket and junior age-group competitions.
The LRCA-Kaizen Cricket Academy, he added, was an important part of this broader development strategy, helping young players receive professional guidance and prepare themselves for higher levels of competition.
He noted that the Lahore region’s continued achievements in junior age-group cricket and the emergence of promising players at national level reflected the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
According to Bacha, the academy’s mission was not limited to producing technically skilled cricketers. It also sought to develop disciplined, responsible and professionally minded individuals capable of representing Lahore and Pakistan in the future.
He stressed that young players needed consistent opportunities, proper coaching and encouragement to realise their potential. A strong grassroots structure, he said, was essential for ensuring a continuous supply of talented cricketers for the national game.
The academy’s training model combines technical instruction, match practice, financial assistance and access to essential sporting equipment, offering young players an opportunity to develop without facing unnecessary financial barriers.
Bacha expressed confidence that the partnership between LRCA and Kaizen Paint would continue to contribute to the development and welfare of junior cricketers in the coming years.
He reaffirmed the academy’s commitment to expanding its efforts under the leadership and guidance of Khawaja Nadeem Ahmed, with particular attention to the training, welfare and professional growth of young players.
He said sustained cooperation between sporting organisations and private-sector partners was vital for strengthening cricket at the grassroots level.
The ultimate objective, he added, was to identify promising talent, provide it with appropriate opportunities and build a stronger foundation for the future of Lahore and Pakistan cricket.
