Second season of the PCB Talent Hunt Programme for Schools to cover 100 districts, aiming to identify and develop future cricket stars across Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially launched the second season of its Talent Hunt Programme for Schools, significantly expanding the initiative to identify and nurture young cricket talent across the country.
The tournament is scheduled to run from September 15 to December 5, while month-long training camps will be held from August 10 to September 10.
The announcement was made by PCB Senior General Manager Domestic Cricket Operations Osama Sharoon during a press conference at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq was also present on the occasion. PCB officials revealed that the programme has grown substantially from its inaugural season, increasing participation from 450 schools to 1,200 schools and extending its reach from 39 districts to 100 districts nationwide.
According to PCB, more than 3,300 schools registered interest in the competition, from which 1,200 schools were shortlisted. The board expects the trials and team selection process to conclude by July 30, while scrutiny and verification of participating teams will be completed by August 10.
To ensure effective player development, PCB will provide selected schools with cricket equipment, financial support, and coaching staff. All participating teams will undergo a month-long training and skill development programme before the district-level competition begins.
The tournament will be played in multiple stages. During the first phase, teams will compete within their respective districts.
The winners from all 100 districts will then advance to the provincial knockout stage, scheduled for the first two weeks of November. The national stage, including the grand final, will take place between November 20 and December 5.
Speaking at the event, Osama Sharoon highlighted that the initiative reflects PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s vision of strengthening grassroots cricket. He noted that the programme aims to identify talented players at an early age and create pathways into domestic and professional cricket.
He also revealed plans to establish year-round regional academies for various age groups in 16 regions, with top performers from the school tournament receiving opportunities to join Under-17 and Under-19 academies.
Misbah-ul-Haq described the school cricket tournament as an important step toward developing future cricketers. He emphasized that regular school competitions would accelerate player development, provide greater playing opportunities, and help Pakistan discover promising talent capable of progressing through the domestic cricket structure and ultimately representing the country at higher levels.