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PCB becomes first cricket board to introduce AI-powered TruMan 3 bowling machine

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday unveiled the state-of-the-art TruMan 3 AI-powered bowling machine at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) Lahore, becoming the first cricket board in the world to adopt the cutting-edge technology for player development.

In a video released by the PCB, Director High Performance Aaqib Javed and cricketer Salman Ali Agha highlighted the features and benefits of the new machine, which is designed to simulate realistic match scenarios for batters.

Calling it “the latest in cricket technology,” Aaqib Javed said, “TruMan 3 is the most advanced bowling machine available today, and the Pakistan Cricket Board is the first cricket board to use it.”

He said the machine overcomes one of the biggest shortcomings of conventional bowling machines.

“With traditional bowling machines, it is difficult for batters to pick the bowler’s release point. This machine displays a high-contrast LED animation of the bowler on a front screen, allowing batters to read the action, release point and timing just as they would in a real match,” he said.

Aaqib explained that the machine could be fully programmed before a training session.

“Coaches can customise pace, line, length, swing, bounce and even the height of the delivery. Individual balls, overs and entire spells can be saved and replayed to recreate match situations. It also allows players to prepare against the style and action of specific bowlers,” he said.

He added that the technology provides batters with match-like preparation and helps bridge the gap between practice and competitive cricket.

Salman Ali Agha termed the innovation a major step forward for player development.

“This machine helps prepare us for the challenges of modern-day cricket. Because the ball is released in sync with the bowler’s action shown on the screen, you have to maintain the same timing that you would in an actual match,” he said.

He admitted that adjusting to the system initially required effort but said the benefits were significant.

“It feels challenging at first, but once you get used to it, it makes a real difference to your batting. I believe this technology will play an important role in improving batters, and players will benefit from it even more in the future,” Salman said.

The AI-powered TruMan 3 enables coaches to create highly customised training sessions by storing and replaying different delivery sequences, providing players with realistic, match-like practice in preparation for elite-level cricket.

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.