PMYDP, Qalandars join hands to hunt sports talent

ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister Youth Development Programme (PMYDP) has stepped up its efforts to spot talent. Lahore Qalandars have been selected to take the initiative on the cricket field, starting the talent hunt selection process from Balochistan.

Rana Mashhood Khan, the PM Advisor on Youth and Sports, during media talk at the PID Thursday, said that efforts were on to make real difference through the PM Youth Initiative Sports Programme.

“We have targeted 23 sports, and cricket is the first, as we have selected Qalandars to carry out the groundwork. Qalandars have won three of the last four PSL titles and are famous for their talent hunt programmes. They are selected ahead of the others to conduct trials and select the best talent for future Pakistan cricket.”

Mashhood said the programme was aimed at producing future Shaheen Afridi, Sana Mir and Haris Rauf. “We not only aimed at producing elite cricketers but also Olympic medalist -- future world beaters like Arshad Nadeem.”

The PM Advisor praised PSL X organisers for completing the task despite war threats. “We are a peaceful nation, but we know well how to protect our rights and defend our country by teaching a lesson to the aggressors.”

Shaheen Afridi, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated fast bowlers and a product of the Lahore Qalandars’ famed talent hunt programme, expressed high hopes for the initiative. “Over the past ten years, Qalandars have mastered the art of talent identification and development. I believe this programme will pave the way for Pakistan’s next generation of cricket legends.”

When asked about the national team’s recent inconsistency, Afridi remained optimistic: “These things take time. The team is evolving, and I am confident that better days are ahead. We have the potential, just need nurturing.”

Adding a global touch to their celebrations, Atif Rana, CEO of Qalandars, announced that the PSL trophy -- recently claimed by the franchise -- will be touring the UK and USA. “This is a moment of pride not just for us, but for all Pakistanis. We want to share our joy with the Pakistani diaspora across the world, showcasing our triumph and the talent that made it possible.”

With a powerful synergy between national vision and sports excellence, the PM Youth Sports Programme -- anchored by Lahore Qalandars -- promises to be a game-changing initiative that could redefine the future of Pakistani sports, inspire a new generation of athletes, and forge a legacy of global competitiveness.

Atif Rana highlighted the franchise’s decade-long commitment to grassroots development, describing the partnership with PMYP as a historic opportunity to expand their successful model nationwide.

The PMYP in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission has partnered with Qalandars to officially launch the Prime Minister’s Cricket Talent Hunt Programme -- a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing the next generation of cricket stars.

The signing ceremony and the official launch were held at the PID Islamabad, in the presence of PMYP Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana, and team captain Shaheen Shah Afridi. The initiative marks a significant step forward in the government’s broader mission to promote youth inclusion in sports, alongside efforts in education, employment, and digital access.

Afridi’s brother, Riaz Afridi, will be looking after the selection process during the Talent Hunt Programme on the following dates: Balochistan: June 27-30.

Sindh: July 2 to 15.

Punjab: July 21 to August 11.

August 11, Azadi Day, will also be observed at the Pindi Stadium.

KPK: From August 29 onward.

Gilgit-Baltistan: September 1 to 14.