Washington, USA – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi met with USA Cricket CEO Jonathan Atkeison in Washington to explore avenues for strengthening cricket ties between Pakistan and the United States. Their discussions focused on hosting bilateral series for both men’s and women’s teams, as well as the possibility of a tri-nation series involving Pakistan, the USA, and Canada.
Expansion of Bilateral Series & Women’s Cricket Development
Both officials expressed keen interest in organizing regular bilateral series between their respective teams, aiming to increase international exposure and competitiveness. They also prioritized women’s cricket, agreeing to arrange women’s team tours between the two nations to enhance opportunities for female cricketers. The proposed series are expected to create new pathways for talent development and international collaboration.
To further strengthen the cricketing relationship, both boards will work together to finalize logistical and scheduling aspects, ensuring that these series are successfully organized in the near future.
PCB’s Commitment to Cricket Development in the USA
Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reaffirmed PCB’s commitment to supporting USA Cricket in its efforts to develop the sport across the country. As part of this initiative, he offered training opportunities for American coaches in Pakistan, providing them with access to advanced facilities, coaching expertise, and specialized training programs designed to enhance their skills.
Additionally, Naqvi proposed player exchange programs, allowing young American cricketers to train in Pakistan’s high-performance centers. He emphasized that such initiatives would contribute to the globalization of cricket and help bridge the gap between established and emerging cricketing nations.
Invitation to ICC Champions Trophy & Strengthening Cricketing Ties
To further cement this growing relationship, Naqvi extended an official invitation to Jonathan Atkeison to visit Pakistan during the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, encouraging him to witness the prestigious tournament in person. He underscored the importance of fostering closer cricketing ties between Pakistan and the USA, highlighting the mutual benefits of collaboration in terms of player development, cricket administration, and fan engagement.
Atkeison expressed his gratitude for the warm invitation and appreciated PCB’s proactive approach in assisting USA Cricket’s growth. He acknowledged Pakistan’s vast experience and success in cricket and looked forward to closer cooperation between the two boards.
Global Cricket Expansion & PSL’s Role in Strengthening Partnerships
The meeting was also attended by PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer, who emphasized the importance of international partnerships in elevating the standard of cricket worldwide. He pointed out that collaborations with non-traditional cricketing nations such as the USA are crucial for the global expansion of the sport.
Naseer also hinted at potential USA player participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which could provide American cricketers with valuable exposure and competitive experience in one of the world’s top franchise tournaments.
This high-level discussion aligns with PCB’s long-term vision of promoting global cricket partnerships, strengthening relations with emerging cricketing nations, and enhancing the sport’s popularity in regions where it is still developing. The collaboration between Pakistan and the USA is expected to open new doors for players, coaches, and administrators, ensuring sustainable growth and a broader international cricketing landscape.
