A New Era for Youth Cricket
In a bold step toward reviving cricket at the grassroots level, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially closed registrations for its first-ever Talent Hunt Programme. With a remarkable response from schools and colleges across the country, the initiative has set the stage for discovering Pakistan’s next cricketing icons.
Over 4,400 Institutions Join the Movement
The numbers speak for themselves. A total of 4,471 educational institutions have registered for the programme. This includes:
2,939 schools
1,474 colleges
58 women’s colleges
This initiative marks a turning point in how cricket talent is scouted and developed in Pakistan, particularly among students from underrepresented regions.
Provincial Breakdown – Punjab Leads the Way
Registrations came in from all corners of the country, with Punjab topping the list:
Punjab: 1,218 schools
Sindh: 777 schools
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK): 419 schools
Balochistan: 293 schools
FATA: 111 schools
Islamabad: 103 schools
Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK): 18 schools
The large-scale participation reflects the passion for cricket across all provinces and highlights the eagerness of youth to be part of Pakistan’s cricketing future.
Encouraging Participation from Women’s Institutions
An impressive 58 women’s colleges have joined the programme, showing a promising shift toward inclusive cricket development. Here’s how the women’s colleges participation breaks down:
Sindh: 26
Punjab: 25
KPK: 5
FATA: 1
This inclusive approach by the PCB not only promotes gender equality in sports but also aims to unlock hidden female cricket talent from across Pakistan.
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What’s Next? Verification and Player Registration
Now that the institutional registrations are complete, the next phase involves a verification process of all listed schools and colleges. Once verified, the PCB will begin individual player registrations, allowing young cricketers to showcase their skills and move ahead in the selection pipeline.
This two-step process ensures transparency and maximizes opportunities for deserving talent to shine on the national stage.
Why This Talent Hunt Programme Matters
This initiative is part of the PCB’s strategic effort to:
- Strengthen the domestic cricket ecosystem
- Discover talent from underprivileged and overlooked areas
- Provide a merit-based pathway to professional cricket
- Encourage female participation in sports
In a country where cricket is more than just a game, the PCB’s Talent Hunt Programme represents a long-term investment in youth and sporting excellence.
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Source: PCB Press Release – Talent Hunt Registration Concludes
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