Shahid Afridi backs maritime, sports initiative for blue economy

June 09, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan is set to establish coastal sports academies, cricket training centres and structured youth programmes along the coastline under a comprehensive roadmap linking the maritime and sports sectors with the country's blue economy vision.

This would combine cricket tournaments with awareness campaigns on marine conservation, climate change and ocean resources.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi agreed on the roadmap during a meeting to explore cooperation between the ports and sports sectors.

Focus on expanding the role of maritime and coastal infrastructure beyond trade and logistics to include sports development, youth engagement and environmental awareness, was the core of the discussion, according to a press release issued.

The minister assured full support from maritime institutions for sports initiatives, particularly in coastal regions, saying ports and maritime zones were increasingly becoming centres of national development where education, sports and environmental conservation could be integrated.

He added that cricket could serve as a unifying platform to raise awareness about marine conservation, climate change and ocean resources among young people.

Shahid Afridi welcomed the proposals, noting significant potential for sports tourism and grassroots cricket development, and said sports were among the most effective tools to engage youth in positive activities.

The two sides reviewed proposals for launching coastal sports and ocean awareness drives in Karachi, Gwadar and other port cities, combining cricket tournaments with awareness sessions on mangrove conservation, marine biodiversity and sustainable use of ocean resources.

Under the proposed framework, maritime institutions would provide infrastructure support while sports organizations and private sector partners would develop training and outreach programmes.

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