Youth hail historic program empowering Pakistan’s next cricket generation
Our Correspondent
The Prime Minister Youth Program (PMYP) cricket trials — organized in collaboration with Lahore Qalandars and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) — have reached a triumphant conclusion with the final leg held in Skardu, marking the end of a nationwide journey that has inspired thousands of young cricketers across Pakistan.
Over several weeks, the PMYP–Qalandars talent hunt toured every region of the country — from the plains of Punjab to the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan — uncovering raw talent, energizing communities, and bringing the dream of professional cricket closer to youth from remote and underserved areas.
The ambitious campaign traversed Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab, Azad Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan, with major stops including Kohat, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, and Skardu. At each venue, young players — boys and girls alike — demonstrated extraordinary passion, discipline, and sporting potential under the supervision of professional coaches from Lahore Qalandars.
For many, this initiative represented much more than just cricket trials. It was a beacon of opportunity — a message that talent truly knows no boundaries. Participants spoke of renewed hope and confidence as they showcased their skills on a national platform for the very first time.
“This has been a monumental journey — not only in discovering hidden cricketing talent but in giving youth belief, direction, and a clear pathway forward,” said Atif Naeem Rana, CEO and Owner of Lahore Qalandars.
He extended heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PMYP Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, and the Higher Education Commission for their unwavering support.
“Their trust transformed this vision into a nationwide movement,” Rana said. “Through these trials, we reached every province, every valley, and every community — proving that Pakistan’s talent runs deep in every corner of the nation.”
From the participants, the enthusiasm was equally heartfelt.
“These trials gave me a chance to chase my dream — to prove myself and represent my country,” said one young cricketer from Skardu. Another added, “We feel empowered and seen. Because of PMYP and Lahore Qalandars, the next generation will dream bigger.”
The initiative, built on a spirit of inclusion and opportunity, reflects strategic nation-building through sport. By offering structured pathways, professional coaching, and exposure, PMYP and Lahore Qalandars are laying the groundwork for Pakistan’s cricketing future. Many of the most promising players from the trials will now advance to elite training camps and development programs, potentially leading to regional or national representation.
In addition, plans are underway for follow-up academies, training scholarships, and regional cricket infrastructure projects to sustain the momentum and ensure long-term player growth.
“This is just the beginning,” Atif Rana noted. “Our goal is not only to produce great cricketers but to build confident ambassadors of Pakistan who can compete with pride on the world stage.”
The successful conclusion of the Skardu leg symbolically caps a historic nationwide movement — one that has rekindled the spirit of opportunity, unity, and national pride through sport.
