The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a countrywide open trials programme aimed at identifying and developing young cricketing talent, with Karachi set to host its trials at the KCCA Stadium on February 15 and 16.
The trials are part of a larger Future Stars Talent Hunt initiative that will see a PCB selection panel visit 15 cities across Pakistan, starting from February 11.
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The programme is designed to shortlist around 350 promising players who will be enrolled in 16 regional academies for structured training and skill development.
A high-profile selection panel, comprising PCB Director High Performance Aqib Javed along with former Pakistan captains and National Cricket Academy coaches Misbah-ul-Haq and Abdul Razzaq, will oversee the trials.
The panel will assess players on batting, bowling, fielding, fitness, and overall game awareness.
The trials will begin at the PCB Ground in Sukkur on February 11, catering to players from the Larkana region, before moving to Hyderabad, Karachi, and other major cricketing centres across the country.
READ: Under-17 cricket trials in Karachi to be held on this date
Young cricketers from nearby districts will also be allowed to participate at their nearest venue.
According to the PCB, up to 24 players will be shortlisted from each of the 16 regions.
These selected players will undergo a four-week specialised training programme at their respective regional headquarters under qualified coaches and support staff.
Following the regional camps, standout performers will be invited to attend advanced training sessions at the National Cricket Academy.
Selected players will also be placed in a year-long skill development pathway within their regions to fast-track their progress into professional cricket.
In addition to player shortlisting, the PCB will award cash prizes on the spot to the best batter, pacer, and spinner at each trial venue, encouraging competitive performances and rewarding standout talent.
The PCB believes this initiative will strengthen regional cricket structures by expanding talent pools for district, regional, and domestic competitions.
Players emerging from the programme will be recommended for departmental teams, regional tournaments, and future HBL Pakistan Super League auction beyond the 2026 season.
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PCB Future Stars Talent Hunt Open Trials Schedule
| Date | Venue | Region |
|---|---|---|
| 11 February | PCB Ground, Sukkur | Larkana |
| 12-13 February | Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad | Hyderabad |
| 15-16 February | KCCA Stadium, Karachi | Karachi |
| 25-26 March | Dring Stadium, Bahawalpur | Bahawalpur |
| 28-29 March | Multan Cricket Stadium | Multan |
| 1-2 April | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad | Faisalabad |
| 4-5 April | LCCA Ground, Lahore | Lahore |
| 7-8 April | Faraz Stadium, Sialkot | Sialkot |
| 10-11 April | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | Rawalpindi |
| 13-14 April | Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad | Islamabad |
| 16-17 April | Abbottabad Cricket Stadium | Abbottabad |
| 19-20 April | Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar | Peshawar |
| 22-23 April | Hayatabad Cricket Stadium, Peshawar | FATA |
| 25-26 April | Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium | AJK |
| 28-29 April | Bugti Cricket Stadium, Quetta | Quetta |
| 1 May | Hub Stadium, Lasbela | DM Jamali |
Officials noted the scouting programme is a long-term investment in Pakistan cricket, providing young players with clear development pathways and professional exposure.
