The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is launching an unprecedented initiative to discover and nurture women’s cricket talent across the nation. The initiative will kick off with open trials set to begin on August 5, 2024, marking a historic first for the scenic Sost Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan, renowned for its striking landscapes and fervent cricket enthusiasts.
This talent search will unfold in two stages. The first phase will be held from August 5 to August 7 in the regions of Gilgit, Hunza, and Sost. The second phase is scheduled to run from August 21 to September 3, targeting other key locations across the country. If inclement weather interferes, trials in affected cities will be rescheduled to September 4 and 5.
The trials will be overseen by former international cricketers Asad Shafiq and Batool Fatima, who are now integral members of the women’s national selection committee. The event will feature two categories: U19 and Emerging. The U19 category is open to players born on or after September 1, 2005.
For the second phase, participants can register online by completing a form that will soon be made available. Applicants must present both the original and a copy of their birth certificates, B-forms, or CNICs at the trials. On-site registration will also be available for those who prefer to register at the venue.
First Phase:
– August 5: Cricket Ground for Girls at Public Schools and Colleges, Gilgit. Selectors: Asad Shafiq and Batool Fatima.
– August 6: Boys Degree College Ground, Hunza. Selectors: Asad Shafiq and Batool Fatima.
– August 7: Hussainabad Cricket Ground, Sost Valley. Selectors: Asad Shafiq and Batool Fatima.
Second Phase:
– August 21: Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre, Karachi. Selector: Asad Shafiq.
– August 22: Jinnah Stadium, Gujranwala. Selector: Batool Fatima.
– August 23: Crescent Cricket Ground, Sialkot. Selector: Asad Shafiq.
– August 26: LCCA Ground, Lahore. Selectors: Asad Shafiq and Batool Fatima.
– August 27: Saeed Ajmal Academy, Faisalabad. Selector: Batool Fatima; Qayyum Stadium, Peshawar. Selector: Asad Shafiq.
– August 28: Mardan Sports Complex, Mardan. Selector: Asad Shafiq.
– August 29: Abbottabad Stadium, Abbottabad. Selector: Asad Shafiq; Bugti Stadium, Quetta. Selector: Batool Fatima.
– August 30: Viqar Un Nisa College, Rawalpindi. Selector: Asad Shafiq.
– September 2: Inzamam ul Haq High Performance Centre, Multan. Selector: Batool Fatima.
– September 3: Women Sports Stadium, Bahawalpur. Selector: Batool Fatima.
This initiative by the PCB is a significant step towards enhancing the country’s women’s cricket infrastructure, offering young and emerging players a chance to showcase their talents on a national platform.
