Larkana, Sukkur youth chases cricketing dreams in PMYP-Qalandars trials

LAHORE - More than 15,000 young cricketers from across Sindh turned out in droves for the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP)–Lahore Qalandars talent hunt cricket trials held in Larkana and Sukkur, marking two unforgettable days of energy, hope, and raw potential in each city.

A flagship initiative jointly spearheaded by the government of Pakistan and Lahore Qalandars, the nationwide talent hunt is rapidly reshaping the landscape of cricket development by bringing long-overdue opportunities to overlooked regions. It is not just a scouting campaign, it’s a grassroots revolution in motion.

In Larkana, over 7,000 boys and girls braved the July sun and pressure-packed drills to showcase their cricketing skills in front of professional scouts. From the first ball of the morning to the final delivery at dusk, the grounds buzzed with anticipation and ambition. Sukkur responded with even greater enthusiasm, registering over 8,000 participants and marking one of the most significant turnouts in the entire campaign to date.

“This isn’t merely about trials; it’s about transformation,” said Atif Rana, CEO of Lahore Qalandars, while addressing the conclusion of the events. “What we witnessed in Larkana and Sukkur was beyond numbers, it was the heartbeat of Pakistan cricket. These youth have brought not just talent, but character, discipline, and an unstoppable will to succeed.” Rana emphasised that the program is designed for long-term impact. “We are committed to building five regional teams from Sindh as part of a broader, sustainable development pathway. This isn’t a one-off visit, we are here to nurture, mentor, and elevate these youngsters so they get the consistent opportunities they deserve.”

For many players, this was their first brush with professional coaching setups, selectors, and structured assessment. The excitement was palpable.“This has changed everything for me,” shared a teenage girl from Larkana, her eyes gleaming with pride. “Before today, no one ever asked about our talent. Now I feel like I truly belong in the cricketing world.”

Selected participants expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the PMYP team, and Lahore Qalandars for bringing this transformative initiative to their hometowns. For them, this was not just about trials, it was about hope, recognition, and a chance to dream big.

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