LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday confirmed the launch of the second season of the Talent Hunt Programme for Schools, set to run from 15 September to 5 December across the country.
The programme will include month long training camps, which will commence from 10 August to 10 September.
PCB’s senior General Manager Domestic cricket Operations Osama Sharoon confirmed the news in a press conference alongside member of selection committee Misbah-ul-Haq at Gaddafi Stadium.
“The 1,200 schools were shortlisted after over 3,300 schools signed up for the tournament from 100 districts of the country,” the PCB press release said.
“Trials and selection process for the school teams is expected to be completed by 30 July, while the PCB will conduct a scrutiny of all the assembled school teams by 10 August,” it added.
The board will provide equipment and funding to deserving teams, alongside assigning coaches to all teams, who will undergo skill development training in August and September. Following the training, the first phase of the tournament will begin across each district.
During the second phase, 100 teams — winners of all the districts will advance to the provincial knockout, which is scheduled take place in the opening two weeks of November.
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The national stage of the tournament including the final, will take place from 20 November to 5 December.
Addressing the media, Misbah-ul-Haq described school cricket as the foundation for future cricketers.
“The school cricket tournament is a brilliant initiative which will cater to a number of students who aspire to become cricketers in future. Playing school tournaments will also fast track the development of players by the time they reach the U17 and U19 regional cricket level,” he said
He said the tournament would help unearth hidden talent and provide more opportunities for youngsters to play the game.
“I think Pakistan cricket can unearth quality talent through school cricket and the kids will get more opportunities to play the game. In our long-term planning of developing the players, school cricket will also prove to be a vital step,” he added.