Grassroots Cricket Development in Pakistan: Lahore Qalandars Take a Major Step
Lahore Qalandars, one of the leading franchises in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has made a significant contribution to the development of cricket at the grassroots level. The team recently announced the formation of the Karachi boys and girls squads as part of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Cricket Talent Hunt. This initiative aims to identify and nurture young talent from across Pakistan, ensuring that the future of the sport is in capable hands.
The announcement was made by Lahore Qalandars’ CEO, Atif Rana, who emphasized the importance of this step in fostering a strong foundation for cricket in the country. According to Rana, the participation of thousands of young players in the trials reflects the confidence that Pakistan’s youth have in the Lahore Qalandars’ vision for the sport. He stated that the franchise has been committed to player development for over a decade, and many prominent cricketers have emerged through their platform.
Atif Rana also shared details about the structure of the initiative. Under this program, five teams will be formed from each province, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. These teams will participate in regional tournaments, providing young athletes with opportunities to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience.
The Karachi Girls Squad
The Karachi Girls Squad consists of a talented group of young female cricketers. The list includes:
- Yasri Aamir
- Alizay Sabir
- Arijia Haseeb
- Amna Zahid
- Taskeen Fatima
- Kainat Iman
- Aneza Arif
- Syeda Batool Fatima
- Shabnam Hayat
- Masooma Jafri
- Ubaira Riaz
- Faiqa Tariq
- Areej Aamir
- Maryam Ahmed
- Isha Naeem
These players represent the next generation of female cricketers in Pakistan, and their inclusion in the squad highlights the growing emphasis on women’s cricket in the country.
The Karachi Boys Squad
In addition to the girls’ team, the Karachi Boys Squad has also been announced. The list of players includes:
- Arman Shehzad
- Abdullah Javed
- Muhammad Siddiq
- Umar Farooq
- Zain Anwar
- Hamza Malik
- Ali Shoaib
- Muhammad Shaheer
- Muhammad Furman
- Naveedullah
- Syed Zain
- Abdul Rauf
- Moaz Shah Afridi
- Abdul Jaleel
- Syed Rehan Shah
These young talents are now part of a structured pathway designed to help them grow into professional cricketers. Their selection marks an important milestone in the development of cricket in Pakistan, especially in the city of Karachi, which has produced several notable players in the past.
A New Era for Cricket in Pakistan
The efforts of Lahore Qalandars in promoting grassroots cricket are a positive step towards building a sustainable future for the sport in Pakistan. By focusing on talent identification and development, the franchise is not only contributing to the growth of cricket but also inspiring the younger generation to pursue their dreams on the field.
This initiative underscores the importance of investing in youth and creating platforms where talent can flourish. With continued support and resources, the future of Pakistani cricket looks promising, and the work being done by Lahore Qalandars is playing a crucial role in shaping that future.
