Web Desk
Pakistan U19 head coach Shahid Anwar has put his team’s Asia Cup success down to sustained preparation, disciplined execution and a dressing-room culture built around controlling only what players can influence.
Speaking about the campaign, the 58-year-old said the coaching group spent months reinforcing a simple message to the squad: focus on preparation, attitude and execution rather than outside variables. He said, “We constantly reminded the players to focus only on what they could control. Weather, umpiring decisions and other external factors are beyond us, but our preparation, attitude and execution are always within our control.”
Shahid said his approach at age-group level goes beyond technical development, with emphasis also placed on personality, habits and readiness for higher levels of the game. He said, “At the U19 level, our responsibility is to observe, diagnose and then prepare a clear plan for execution. Alongside cricket, we focus heavily on character building and lifestyle because these players are preparing for much bigger challenges ahead.”
He added that the underlying philosophy remains consistent across levels of the sport. “My core philosophy has always been to give your absolute best in whatever you are doing in the present. If you do that wholeheartedly, you leave yourself with no regrets,” he said, adding that once a team has identified its priorities, it must “trust the process” because results are not entirely within its control.
Chairman’s visit and player recognition
Shahid also welcomed PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s decision to announce incentives for the players after the Asia Cup victory, saying the gesture gave the squad a strong sense of recognition. He said it was the first time the chairman had personally come to the venue, joined the celebrations and brought the team back “with great honour”.
According to Shahid, Naqvi introduced the players to the Army Chief and the Prime Minister, spent time with the full squad and spoke individually to every player. Shahid said the chairman “made everyone feel valued” by showing respect to each member of the team.
Path ahead for young players
Looking beyond the tournament, Shahid expressed confidence in the ability of Pakistan’s emerging cricketers but said the next stage of their growth would depend heavily on red-ball development. He stressed the importance of first-class cricket in helping young batters turn starts into substantial innings and adapt to the demands of the longer format.
Shahid, who scored 12,100 runs in 216 first-class matches, said the talent in the current group is evident, but added that patience, passion and continuous hard work will be essential if these players are to prepare themselves for international cricket.
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