Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE (PR): Over 12, 000 players participated in the trials aiming to select the upcoming talented cricketers for “Player Development Program” (PDP) at the Qalandars-UOL High-Performance Centre in the University of Lahore, as the selected players will be announced on Monday (tomorrow), and they will have the opportunity to advance their cricketing careers under the guidance of experienced professionals.
In an impressive display of talent and determination, over 12,000 aspiring cricketers from diverse backgrounds participated, showcasing their skills in hopes of securing a spot in the shortlisted list for the program. The rigorous trials spanned an extensive day, during which batters, bowlers, and wicketkeepers underwent thorough evaluations to demonstrate their abilities.
The trials were overseen by PDP's poster boy, Haris Rauf, along with Lahore Qalandars’ captain, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and the batch of senior coaching staff. Their involvement not only inspired the participants but also ensured a comprehensive assessment of each player's potential.
The event was further distinguished by the presence of Punjab Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar, who graced the occasion with his support for grassroots cricket development. He shared the stage with Lahore Qalandars Owner and CEO Atif Rana alongside Chairman University of Lahore Awais Raoof.
Atif Rana, Owner & CEO of Lahore Qalandars, said: “I am excited to see such a remarkable turnout of young talent. Every time we announce our PDP trials, thousands of aspiring cricketers come together to showcase their skills, which speaks volumes about their trust in our system. Our journey, which began nine years ago, continues to make significant progress, and I am immensely grateful to all stakeholders for their unwavering support. We remain committed to making a meaningful impact, nurturing talent, and inspiring these young players to dream big alongside us. Through sports, we shape communities and create tomorrow's champions, both on and off the field.”
Faisal Ayub Khokhar, Punjab Sports Minister said: “The energy and passion displayed by these players are truly unparalleled. These young kids come here with the dream of one day representing Pakistan. Witnessing this extensive program function successfully, I see a perfect alignment between discovering talent and providing opportunities. This synergy is crucial, particularly with prominent organizations like Lahore Qalandars and the University of Lahore stepping up to fulfill their roles. Together, they are transforming raw talent into stars for our nation. The collaboration between the University and Lahore Qalandars ensures that students can achieve their academic aspirations while also building a bright future in sports.”
