The Real Cost of a Mis‑Managed Youth Programme
The PCB’s budget for junior cricket is a line item funded by taxpayers and corporate sponsors. Every rupee spent on travel to Oman, on training camps, on equipment, is justified only if the squad competes credibly. The tournament is scheduled in Oman from 5 to 14 November 2026, with Pakistan drawn in Group A alongside arch‑rivals India, Nepal and the UAE. A failure to progress beyond the group stage would not just be a sporting loss; it would be a squandered public investment and a betrayal of the young men who see cricket as a ladder out of poverty.
Accountability Starts with the Board, Not the Boys
Responsibility for the outcome lies squarely with the PCB, not with Yousaf or his teammates. The board announced a 15‑member squad, a clear, transparent roster that can be audited against performance metrics. If the team falters, the question the public must ask is whether the PCB selected on merit or on the basis of short‑term optics. The PCB’s own words – “We begin our title defence on 6 November against UAE U19” – set a measurable benchmark. The board must publish post‑tournament reviews, not just celebratory graphics.
