LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a landmark initiative to broaden the country’s cricketing talent base, announcing a series of open trials across 15 cities beginning on 11 February. The program aims to shortlist around 350 players for 16 regional academies, where they will undergo mentoring and skill development to prepare for professional cricket.
A high-profile selection panel comprising former Test cricketers and regional coaches will oversee the trials. The panel includes PCB Director High Performance Aqib Javed, along with National Cricket Academy coaches Misbah-ul-Haq and Abdul Razzaq. The trials will commence at the PCB Ground in Sukkur, catering to players from the Larkana Region, before moving to other venues.
The trials will be staged in Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Hub District, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Muzaffarabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, and Sukkur.
From each of the 16 regions, up to 24 promising players will be shortlisted and enrolled in a four-week specialised training programme at their respective regional headquarters. The standout performers from these camps will be invited to National Cricket Academy (NCA) camps and fast-tracked into a year-long skills development programme. In addition, the selection panel will award cash prizes at each venue to the best pacer, spinner, and batter, further incentivising excellence.
PCB officials confirmed that this initiative is designed to strengthen the regional talent pools, ensuring a steady supply of players for intra-district, inter-regional, and domestic tournaments. The shortlisted players will also be recommended for departmental teams and considered for HBL PSL selection in seasons beyond 2026.
This first-of-its-kind intervention policy and scouting programme is expected to provide hundreds of young cricketers with a pathway into professional cricket. By combining open access with structured development, the PCB hopes to uncover hidden talent across Pakistan and nurture the next generation of stars for both domestic and international cricket.
Open trials dates and venues: February 11:
PCB Ground, Sukkur for Larkana Region.
February 12 and 13: Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad - Hyderabad Region.
February 15 and 16:- KCCA Stadium, Karachi - Karachi Region.
