PCB talent hunt programme for schools to kick off in September

LAHORE (Dunya News) - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the launch of the first-ever PCB Talent Hunt Programme for Schools, beginning in September 2025, after months of detailed planning and coordination with educational institutions nationwide.

The initiative will feature two major tournaments:

• A 40-over red-ball tournament.
• A Weekend Schools League comprising two-day matches.

Following an extensive evaluation process, 405 schools from 39 districts across Pakistan have been shortlisted for the opening 40-over tournament. The selection was made after an on-ground review of infrastructure and school readiness.

The programme initially drew interest from nearly 3,000 schools after PCB’s nationwide call in March. More institutions are expected to join in future editions.

Over the next two weeks, beginning Wednesday, 20 August, around 60 PCB coaches will conduct trials in registered schools to form teams. After trials, schools will hold preparatory camps led by PT teachers and district coaches.

The 40-over tournament is scheduled to start on 20 September. District-level winners will qualify for the knockout stages, culminating in a national final. The winning school will be awarded an overseas tour, while top schools from each district will progress to the Weekend Schools League this winter. Around 100 schools are expected to participate in the latter tournament.
Outstanding performers from both tournaments will be scouted by PCB coaches for High-Performance Camps and will be eligible for direct selection into U15 and U17 regional teams.

As part of the programme, PCB will also provide schools with cricket ground rehabilitation, kits, professional match officials, and operational support.

Director Domestic Cricket Operations, Abdullah Khurram Niazi, said, “The Pakistan Cricket Board is delighted to launch this landmark Talent Hunt Programme for Schools. With PCB’s support, we aim to not only scout young talent but also rebuild school-level cricket infrastructure. Over 150 school grounds have already been earmarked for rehabilitation under this initiative. The objective is to provide children with an organised, professional platform to showcase their skills.”

Breakdown of participating schools

• Punjab – 134 (Lahore 30, Faisalabad 16, Sialkot 11, Gujranwala 11, Bahawalpur 10, Rahim Yar Khan 10, DG Khan 10, Multan 10, Rawalpindi 6, Sargodha 10, Sahiwal 10)
• Sindh – 82 (Karachi 38, Hyderabad 12, Sukkur 8, Mirpurkhas 8, Shaheed Benazirabad 8, Larkana 8)
• Balochistan – 81 (Quetta 16, Naseerabad 12, Pishin 10, Khuzdar 10, Lasbela 6, Loralai 6, Jaffarabad 6, Nushki 5, Killa Abdullah 5, Sibi 5)
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – 68 (Mansehra 12, Swabi 12, Peshawar 10, Bannu 8, Swat 8, Mardan 8, Kohat 7, Abbottabad 5)
• Islamabad & GB – 28 (Islamabad 20, Gilgit-Baltistan 8)
• Azad Jammu & Kashmir – 12 (Mirpur 8, Muzaffarabad 4)