Over 15,000 youths attend Qalandars trials in Larkana and Sukkur

Cricket revolution in Sindh: 

Over 15,000 youths attend Qalandars trials in Larkana and Sukkur

Asher Butt 

A wave of cricketing ambition swept through Sindh as more than 15,000 young athletes participated in the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) – Lahore Qalandars Talent Hunt trials, held over two days each in Larkana and Sukkur. The initiative, hailed as a game-changer for youth development, is redefining access to cricket in Pakistan’s underserved regions.

In Larkana, over 7,000 boys and girls braved the heat to showcase their skills, while Sukkur saw an even larger turnout of 8,000+ participants, making it one of the most successful legs of the nationwide campaign.

The trials are part of a broader effort to unearth raw talent from remote areas, with Lahore Qalandars providing technical expertise and PMYP offering institutional support. Speaking at the conclusion of the trials, Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana described the experience as “nothing short of extraordinary,” praising the discipline, hunger, and skill of the participants.

“This is a cricket revolution. These young boys and girls came not just with passion, but with the hunger to grow. The next superstars are waiting in the heartlands of Pakistan,” Rana said.

He announced plans to form five regional teams from Sindh, ensuring sustained development and exposure for selected players. The trials also marked a first-time opportunity for many participants to perform in front of professional selectors. A young girl from Larkana shared, “No one ever came to ask about our talent before. Now I believe I can make it to the national team one day.”

Participants expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the PMYP team, and Lahore Qalandars, recognizing the initiative as a gateway to dreams once thought unreachable.

The PMYP–Lahore Qalandars Talent Hunt will continue across other cities in Sindh, with trials already held in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Shaheed Benazirabad. Over 20,000 players have enrolled so far, with selected athletes to receive professional training, stipends, and national exposure through Lahore Qalandars’ Player Development Program.

For registration and updates, visit the official PMYP portal.