LAHORE: The cricketing heartbeat of Pakistan is growing louder with every passing day as the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP)
Lahore Qalandars talent hunt cricket trials continue to inspire and empower thousands across the country.
From the land of Shaheens, Sargodha, to the industrial capital of Pakistan, Faisalabad, more than 35,000 male and female youth participated in the talent hunt, reaffirming the belief that Pakistan’s cricketing future lies in its grassroots.
Sargodha witnessed a turnout of over 15,000 plus passionate young cricketers, while Faisalabad surpassed expectations with more than 20,000 aspiring players attending the trials. The nationwide initiative, a collaborative venture between PMYP and the Lahore Qalandars’ globally acclaimed Player Development Program (PDP), is unlocking opportunities for youth who have long been overlooked.
Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana expressed his pride in witnessing the overwhelming participation across both cities. “The energy, talent, and sheer numbers we have seen in Sargodha and Faisalabad are nothing short of extraordinary,” he said. “These cities have always had cricketing spirit, but through this platform, we are channeling it in the right direction.
“We are deeply thankful to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PMYP Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, and the entire PMYP team for trusting Lahore Qalandars and for enabling this national movement. Our Player Development Program, which started as a dream, is now a model being replicated globally,” Rana added.
The trials in both cities were managed by professional coaches, analysts, and Lahore Qalandars management, who closely monitored every participant, ensuring that no talent goes unnoticed. Participants from rural backgrounds, urban centres, and marginalized communities stood shoulder-to-shoulder, proving that cricket knows no boundaries.
The youth themselves expressed heartfelt gratitude to PM Shehbaz Sharif, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, and Lahore Qalandars for this unprecedented opportunity. “We are now dreaming bigger. We are ready to work harder than ever and represent Pakistan at the highest level.”
PMYP Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan emphasized the broader vision of the project. “This program is more than just talent identification; it’s a national transformation strategy. Through Lahore Qalandars’ proven PDP model, we are giving our youth the recognition, mentorship, and platform they deserve. We are building careers, promoting social mobility, and uniting Pakistan through cricket.”
