Record-breaking turnout at PMYP–Qalandars talent hunt trials in Lahore

 

Record-breaking turnout at PMYP–Qalandars talent hunt trials in Lahore

 

Asher Butt

Lahore once again proved its reputation as the beating heart of Pakistan’s cricketing passion, as the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) and Lahore Qalandars wrapped up their two-day open cricket trials with an unprecedented turnout of more than 18,000 aspiring boys and girls.

 

Organized under the PM Talent Hunt Youth Sports League and supported by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the trials marked a historic moment for youth cricket development. The overwhelming participation reflected not only Lahore’s deep love for the game but also the growing opportunities for young athletes across the country.

 

The event was overseen by Lahore Qalandars’ elite scouting team, celebrated for unearthing and developing some of Pakistan’s brightest cricketing stars. Participants underwent a rigorous evaluation process, which tested not only their batting, bowling, and fielding skills, but also their mental toughness, adaptability, and game awareness — the attributes essential for making it in professional cricket.

 

Atif Rana, CEO of Lahore Qalandars, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PMYP Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, and the HEC for their collaboration and support.

 

“This is not just about finding cricket talent; it’s about giving our youth a platform to dream big and achieve big,” said Rana. “The passion we witnessed in Lahore was overwhelming. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when government, sports organizations, and the private sector work together.”

 

Many of the selected players called the trials a “life-changing experience”, praising the inclusivity and professionalism of the program.

 

“This platform has given us hope and belief that we can represent Pakistan at the highest level,” shared one of the young cricketers. “The support from the government and Lahore Qalandars makes us confident our dreams can become reality.”

 

The Lahore trials are part of a nationwide search for future cricket stars. So far, the PMYP initiative has engaged over 122,000 young cricketers from across Pakistan, with major talent turnouts in Sindh, Balochistan, South Punjab, Faisalabad, and Sargodha. The next stops will be Sialkot and Rawalpindi, as the hunt continues to uncover and develop talent from every corner of the country.

 

With such record participation and the combined efforts of the government, HEC, and Lahore Qalandars, the future of Pakistan cricket looks brighter than ever.