The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has declared the opening of the Future Stars Talent Hunt Programme, which will start on 11 February 2026. This ambitious initiative aims to discover and develop young cricketing talent across Pakistan, providing them with a clear and structured pathway to professional cricket.
The programme is aligned with PCB’s long-term vision of strengthening Pakistan cricket through investment in grassroots development and by expanding the national talent pool.
.png)
What Is the Future Stars Talent Hunt Programme?
The Future Stars Talent Hunt Programme is an intensive scouting and development initiative designed to identify promising cricketing talent at the regional level. Unlike conventional selection systems, the programme is based on open trials, allowing players from various regions to showcase their abilities in front of experienced selectors and coaches.
The main objective is to unearth raw talent and provide professional guidance through structured training and mentorship.
Open Trials Across 15 Cities:
The PCB will conduct open trials in 15 cities across Pakistan starting from 11 February, with the programme running until 1 May 2026. These trials will give young cricketers an opportunity to compete at a national level while performing in their own regions.
The trials will begin at PCB Ground, Sukkur, with players from the Larkana Region participating first. Major cricketing centres including Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Peshawar, Islamabad, and Quetta are part of the nationwide talent hunt.
Selection Panel and Evaluation Process:
The selection process will be conducted by a highly experienced panel of former international cricketers and senior coaches:
- Aqib Javed – Director High Performance, PCB
- Misbah-ul-Haq – Coach, National Cricket Academy
- Abdul Razzaq – Coach, National Cricket Academy
The panel will assess players on batting, bowling, fielding, fitness, and overall cricketing awareness, while also providing mentorship throughout the process.
Training at Regional Academies:
Following the trials, selected players from each region will be inducted into 16 regional cricket academies. These players will undergo a four-week intensive training programme at their respective regional headquarters, focusing on technical improvement, physical conditioning, and mental development.
Development Opportunities and Prizes:
To motivate participants, the PCB will award on-the-spot cash prizes to the best batter, fastest bowler, and best spinner at each trial venue.
Outstanding performers will also be invited to National Cricket Academy (NCA) camps and may be included in a year-long skill development programme, offering a clear gateway to domestic and international cricket.
PSL Pathway and Long-Term Development:
The Future Stars programme is a key part of PCB’s broader vision for sustainable player development. After completing training at regional academies and the NCA, selected players will be recommended for regional and departmental domestic teams.
Exceptional players may also be considered for future editions of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), providing exposure to elite-level professional cricket.
Trial Dates and Venues (February–May 2026):
| Date | Venue | Region |
|---|---|---|
| 11 February | PCB Ground, Sukkur | Larkana |
| 12–13 February | Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad | Hyderabad |
| 15–16 February | KCCA Stadium, Karachi | Karachi |
| 25–26 March | Dring Stadium, Bahawalpur | Bahawalpur |
| 28–29 March | Multan Cricket Stadium | Multan |
| 1–2 April | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad | Faisalabad |
| 4–5 April | LCCA Ground, Lahore | Lahore |
| 7–8 April | Faraz Stadium, Sialkot | Sialkot |
| 10–11 April | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | Rawalpindi |
| 13–14 April | Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad | Islamabad |
| 16–17 April | Abbottabad Cricket Stadium | Abbottabad |
| 19–20 April | Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar | Peshawar |
| 22–23 April | Hayatabad Cricket Stadium, Peshawar | FATA |
| 25–26 April | Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium | AJK |
| 28–29 April | Bugti Cricket Stadium, Quetta | Quetta |
| 1 May | Hub Stadium, Lasbela | Dera Murad Jamali |
Final Thoughts:
The PCB Future Stars Talent Hunt Programme represents one of the most significant steps toward building a stronger and more competitive future for Pakistan cricket. By discovering untapped talent, offering systematic training, and providing a clear pathway to professional cricket, the PCB is shaping the next generation of national stars.
For young cricketers with big dreams, 11 February 2026 could mark the beginning of a life-changing journey.
"Please let us know in the comments who all among you are participating in this program."