Future cricket stars in the making: PCB launches nationwide talent hunt

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched a countrywide talent hunt Program for Schools 2024–25. This marks the beginning of a new initiative to discover and develop the next generation of cricketing stars.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi officially inaugurated the program at Crescent Model Higher Secondary School, his alma mater, where the unveiling ceremony included the launch of the tournament trophy and the distribution of official PCB kit bags to participating teams.

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“I have countless memories on this ground,” Naqvi said at the event. “It’s a proud moment for me to start this initiative right here. Our goal is clear; to unearth raw talent from across Pakistan and turn them into future cricketing heroes.”

The Talent Hunt is being rolled out simultaneously across all provinces, with 391 schools, including 175 government and 218 private institutions, taking part. Players from Crescent Model and Crescent Grammar School were introduced to the PCB Chairman.

“This initiative expands the reach of our talent search beyond the traditional system,” Naqvi said, adding, “We want cricket to go hand-in-hand with education, giving students a pathway to professional cricket.”

The program promises to be more than just a tournament. Top performers will be tracked and potentially fast-tracked into U15, U17, and U19 regional teams and academies, offering a clear path into Pakistan’s elite cricketing structure.

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The PCB will also encourage and reward top-performing school teams, as it aims to build a robust grassroots cricket ecosystem.

“We’re confident that new faces will emerge from this competition, players who will one day wear the green jersey and make the nation proud,” Naqvi said.