LAHORE, 19 September, 2026 (Ghufran): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally launched its expanded School Cricket Talent Hunt Programme, with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasizing the importance of identifying and developing young cricketers who could represent Pakistan in the future. The programme began at Gaddafi Stadium with an opening match between Beaconhouse and Aitchison College, attended by Naqvi as the chief guest. Speaking to the media, Naqvi said the initiative had been significantly expanded following a positive response to last year’s programme. He said 1,400 schools have been registered this year, with around 21,000 children participating in approximately 2,895 matches across 100 districts. Naqvi said the main objective is to identify talented youngsters from across the country and provide them with a pathway to higher-level cricket. He added that the PCB would closely monitor players from the top 50 schools and provide them with additional facilities and support. The PCB also plans to establish a dedicated Director of Schools position to oversee school cricket activities throughout the year. Naqvi said a monitoring team would assess the performances of participating youngsters, with promising players to be shortlisted for further development. He expressed hope that more than 2,000 schools would be registered in the programme next year and said the board was investing in the future of young cricketers. The final of the ongoing school cricket tournament is scheduled to be held in December.