The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) School Cricket Talent Hunt Program is set to officially begin on September 19, with Beaconhouse and Aitchison College set to feature in the opening ceremony.
As part of the inaugural event, the cricket teams of the two prestigious schools will face each other in a special match, marking the start of this year’s talent hunt initiative. The toss is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., while the match will begin at 2:00 p.m. A special music concert will also be held following the conclusion of the opening ceremony.
Following the success of last year’s program, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to relaunch the School Cricket Talent Hunt Program on a larger scale this year. Around 21,000 students from 1,400 schools across 100 districts are expected to participate, with a total of 2,895 matches scheduled to be played in various cities.
According to the PCB, the program aims to identify emerging cricketing talent at the school level, provide young players with opportunities to develop and progress, and promote cricket at the grassroots level. Schools from across the country, ranging from Gilgit to Gwadar, will take part in this year’s talent hunt program.
Mohsin Naqvi set to launch second season of PCB School Cricket tournament
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will attend the opening ceremony on Saturday as the chief guest and formally inaugurate the tournament’s second season.
Under the chairman’s vision, the competition has been significantly expanded this year, growing from 39 districts and 450 schools in its inaugural season. The initiative is also designed to create a pathway for promising young cricketers, with the top-performing school players set to be considered for integration into the PCB’s age-group and player-development programs.
Following the opening match, fans will be treated to a live musical performance by renowned singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Entry to the stadium will be free on Saturday for both the cricket match and the concert.
For the second consecutive year, the PCB has invested financial resources and personnel across the country to strengthen the school cricket system. Regional and district coaches conducted trials at schools nationwide, followed by training camps held during August and September to prepare participating teams.
To ensure wider participation, the PCB has also arranged playing venues for schools that do not have their own grounds. In addition, several schools have been provided with cricket and playing kits to support their participation in the tournament.