Photo Credit: Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar Zalmi is known for executing extensive Talent Hunt Programs all over the country since the inception of Pakistan Super League in 2016. Every year Peshawar Zalmi is committed to unearthing cricketing gems from every region of Pakistan. Last year, Peshawar Zalmi took things to the next level by organising its talent hunt not only in Pakistan but also organising training camps all over the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, Austria and Belgium for overseas Pakistanis and cricket enthusiasts abroad. This year, the endeavor to discover exceptional talent commenced in KP in the vibrant city of Peshawar, where the Hayatabad Sports Complex became the epicenter of aspirations and dreams.
As part of the Zalmi Talent Hunt Program, Cricket Trials were held in Hayatabad Sports Complex Peshawar, Pakistan, from 23rd May to 27th May 2023, which marked a significant chapter in the cricketing landscape of the region. The trials not only represented an open opportunity for budding cricketers to unveil their talents but also showcased the commitment of the Peshawar Zalmi franchise toward nurturing young potential. With the backdrop of lush cricket grounds and eager faces, the trials were a bustling hub of cricket enthusiasts vying to catch the selectors’ eyes.
The distinguished Inzamam-ul-Haq, president of Peshawar Zalmi, the seasoned star batter Kamran Akmal, and Director Cricket Peshawar Zalmi Muhammad Akram made up the selectors panel, which gave the event a sense of legitimacy and anticipation. Legends of Pakistani cricket and Zalmi stars, including Skipper Babar Azam and the promising Muhammad Haris, who graced the occasion with their presence and encouraged the hopefuls to achieve greater heights, added to the atmosphere.
The trials followed a rigorous procedure that began with an initial round of selection, where the most promising talents were shortlisted to advance to the next stage. In a display of fierce competition and unwavering determination, the shortlisted players were divided into four teams named Inzamam 11, Babar 11, Sammy 11, and Kamran 11. The atmosphere was electric as these teams clashed in a series of matches, each player striving to outshine the rest.
The Final match between Babar 11 and Sammy 11 was the apex of the trials; it perfectly encapsulated the best of cricket. Sammy 11 triumphed in a fiercely fought combat, displaying their abilities and teamwork. This victory not only emphasized the spirit of competition fostered during the trials, but it also emphasized the ability of these young cricketers to leave their imprint on a significant platform.
Here is the list of players that were shortlisted from the trials held in Peshawar and would compete in the final of trials in a tournament that will be organised prior to PSL 9 to select the best players from list of shortlisted players from all over the country.
Team A
- Waqar Ahmed RHB
- Sajjad Ibrahim RHB
- Aitizaz Habib RHB
- Mehmood Anwar RHB
- Awais Afridi RHB
- Tahir Shah RHB
- Abuzar Afridi RHB W.K
- Abdullah Right Arm Leg Spinner
- Mohammad Abrar Ahmed Left Arm Spin
- mohammad Huzaifa RAMF
- Arslan Dost RAMF
- Ali Marwat RAMF
- Usman Chita RAMF
Team B
- Amir Zaib RHB
- Arif Shah LHB
- Shahzaib RHB
- Anees Sami LHB
- Maaz Habib RHB
- Aftab Alam W.K
- Usman Yousuf Leg Spin
- Sikandar RAMF
- Shahzaib Khan RAMF
- Basit Ali Shah RAMF
- Miraj Ali RAMF
- Wahab Afridi LAMF
- umar Habib SLAO
Zalmi Cricket trials in other stations, like Sindh, further demonstrate Peshawar Zalmi’s dedication to supporting young talent and reaffirmed their goal of giving opportunities to young cricketers from all over Pakistan.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6KtbZrO9fU&ab_channel=PeshawarZalmi
This widespread approach aimed to pave the way for untapped talent to showcase their prowess and contribute to the ever-evolving cricketing landscape of the nation. As the dust settles on these trials, anticipation grows for the ultimate showdown – a final match between the shortlisted players, just before the commencement of PSL 9.
The success and impact of these trials reinforced Peshawar Zalmis dedication to this cause, as they expressed their intentions to replicate this initiative in KP and beyond the next year. With a clear vision to provide a platform for young talent to shine, Peshawar Zalmi had not just organized a series of trials but ignited a spark of aspiration in the hearts of countless young cricketers, lighting the path towards a brighter future in cricket.
