Lahore, 23 September 2025 — Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi officially launched the PCB Talent Hunt Programme for Schools 2025–26 at Crescent Model Higher Secondary School (CMHS) in Lahore, marking the start of a nation-wide initiative to identify and nurture cricket talent from the grassroots level.
As part of the inauguration, Chairman Naqvi distributed playing kits to student cricketers and unveiled the tournament’s official trophy. The ceremony was attended by key figures including PCB Board of Governors member Anwar Ghani, Crescent School Managing Trustee Mian Saleem Altaf, Principal Rabia Najam, LCCA President Khawaja Nadeem, and DG Sports Punjab.
Nation-wide inter-school cricket tournament begins
The PCB Talent Hunt will feature a nation-wide 40-over inter-school tournament, with around 400 schools from 39 districts participating in more than 900 matches across Pakistan. The competition kicked off in Lahore on 22 September, where 31 schools are taking part. Matches in other districts will begin from Friday, 26 September.
Seven matches were held on the opening day in Lahore, including the curtain-raiser fixture between Crescent Model School and Crescent Grammar School, which coincided with the launch ceremony.
Talent identification and development structure
Participating school teams were formed following extensive scrutiny, open trials, and school-level training camps conducted by PCB’s regional and district coaches. This program is part of a broader PCB strategy to widen its talent identification net beyond club cricket and formal academies.
The schools programme includes:
- A 40-over inter-school tournament
- A follow-up weekend two-day league
- Performance-based fast-tracking into PCB’s U15, U17, and U19 regional academies
- Incentives and recognition for winning schools and top performers
Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi’s vision
Chairman Mohsin Naqvi shared his enthusiasm for the programme, especially given that the inauguration took place at his own alma mater:
“The PCB is delighted to inaugurate and practically set in motion the Talent Hunt Programme for schools across all the provinces in Pakistan. Our goal is to unearth new cricket stars from the youth. I hope that we can find raw talent from this initiative who can go onto represent Pakistan in the future.”
“It is a vital step towards expanding our net for talent scouting and fast tracking of young talent not just through the usual structure but also from educational institutes across Pakistan.”
“This programme under the umbrella of the PCB will create a superb sporting culture and environment among students and crucially they will get the opportunity to carve a professional cricket career along with their studies.”
Next steps for the tournament
With matches already underway in Lahore and others set to begin shortly across Pakistan, the PCB Talent Hunt Programme for Schools represents a significant step toward institutionalising youth cricket development and integrating schools into the national cricket pipeline.
More updates, including performance highlights and fast-tracked players into regional setups, will be shared by the PCB as the programme progresses.
Read the previous press release on the PCB Talent Hunt Programme for Schools.
