PCB Launches Nationwide Schools Talent Hunt

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced the launch of a countrywide talent hunt across schools, aiming to identify promising players at the grassroots level.

More than 400 schools from 39 districts will take part in the initiative, which begins with trials at selected schools. Over 60 coaches will conduct assessments, with the PCB saying the programme is designed to “spot talent early and nurture it into future stars.”

Following the trials, a 40-over tournament will start in the third week of September, featuring teams from all participating schools. The top 100 teams will then move on to the Weekend Schools League.

The PCB has stepped up youth development in recent years, noting that players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi had benefitted from structured pathways. Earlier this year, it conducted its largest-ever hunt involving 1,847 schools and colleges across all provinces.

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Coaches involved in the current programme will be trained on evaluation standards to assess skill, temperament and development potential. PCB officials will monitor trials and matches.

Drawing parallels with Australia and India, the board said that successful school cricket systems have consistently produced top-level players. It added that the current drive, covering more than 400 schools, ranks among the biggest talent hunts in Pakistan’s history.