Commercial cricket academies are springing up in the grounds of Rawalpindi educational institutions with expenditure of millions of rupees on flood lights resulting in denial of sport facilities to the children of poor people.The grounds in government run schools and colleges are meant to promote different sports among talented students without any discrimination.
According to reports, these academies would not pay any rent to the PHA or the district government and instead earn a lot through charges from the children who can afford to pay the high charges.
Informed sources said that preparations are going on for the establishment of a commercial academy in the only cricket ground in the city meant for girls.
Local players have demanded of the DCO to allow them to play in these academies free of charge.
The City district government Rawalpindi with the cooperation of Parks and Horticulture Authority had set up cricket, hockey, and football grounds of international standard by spending millions of rupees. A cricket ground with floodlight facilities was set up at Waqarun Nis College. But some local political leaders with the association of local former cricketers have started converting them into commercial academies.
The ground at Muslim Higher Secondary School Saidpur road has been named after national cricketer Sohail Tanwir, which was appreciated by the local circles . However when the floodlight ground was inaugurated,its administration was handed over to Babar Cricket Academy. Similarly cricket academy in the name of MohammadWaseem was inaugurated at Govt Post Graduate college Satellite Town. According to sources, children interested to get admission in the academy will have topay Rs 3000 . This includes Rs 1000 each for admission, uniform and monthly fee.
The sources further said that teams of different union councils have also been formed but they are only allowed to play on practice pitch.
Director General, PHA Dr Abid Malik when contacted said that a policy is being prepared and all the children would benefit from the facilities.
