LAHORE: The Sports Board Punjab (SBP) has embarked on a historic initiative by forming its own cricket team for the very first time. This landmark development was announced by Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Muhammad Ali, who served as the chief guest on the second day of the SBP Grade-II cricket trials at the SBP Cricket Academy outside Punjab Stadium.
Muhammad Ali highlighted the overwhelming participation of players from far-flung areas, including more than 200 young cricketers from across the country, as proof of their passion for the game. He praised the enthusiasm of the participants, noting that Pakistan is blessed with abundant cricketing talent, which bodes well for the future of the sport. The trials, supervised by former Test cricketer Aizaz Cheema and SBP coaches, are being conducted strictly on merit. Muhammad Ali emphasized that the selection committee has been directed to ensure complete transparency in the process, with no compromises allowed. He further stated that SBP is providing the best facilities to all players, officials, and the selection panel during the two-day trials. Selected players will be awarded monthly scholarships, reinforcing SBP’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
Muhammad Ali also underlined SBP’s broader vision of sports development across Punjab, stressing that the formation of the cricket team is part of a larger effort to engage youth in healthy activities and strengthen the province’s sporting infrastructure.
