RAWALPINDI, Jan 24 (APP): Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi announced on Saturday the formation of a district-level cricket team, Rawalpindi Tigers, aimed at identifying and developing young talent from Rawalpindi.
Addressing a press conference here alongside Lahore Qalandars Chief Executive Officer Atif Rana, the minister said open trials for youth would be held on February 14 and 15 in Rawalpindi under the supervision of Lahore Qalandars. He said the trials would be conducted strictly on merit, with no recommendations entertained, and participation would be limited to players holding a Rawalpindi domicile.
Hanif Abbasi said the objective of the initiative was to develop Rawalpindi Tigers into a competitive team. Following the trials, 20 selected players would be sent to the Lahore Qalandars High Performance Centre for professional training. He added that in the case of exceptionally talented fast bowlers, the government would arrange overseas training at its own expense.
He said efforts would be made to ensure the inclusion of Rawalpindi Tigers in the Pakistan Super League within the next three years.
Responding to a question, the minister said the government’s priorities included the provision of education as well as international-standard sports facilities for youth. He said sports facilities had earlier been developed in schools and colleges in Rawalpindi but were adversely affected during previous tenures.
On women’s sports, Hanif Abbasi said facilities were being provided in Rawalpindi, including an international-standard squash court at Fatima Jinnah Women University and an astro turf at Viqar-un-Nisa Women College. He said the Punjab women’s hockey final was recently held at the venue and added that a girls’ cricket team would be formed in the next phase.
He appreciated the role of Lahore Qalandars in talent hunting across the country, saying the franchise had strengthened grassroots cricket through a merit-based system.
Speaking on the occasion, Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana said the franchise had conducted trials in 28 cities across Pakistan, including trials for girls in line with the Prime Minister’s vision. He said the team would conduct youth trials in Rawalpindi and aimed to complete the process within two days.
Atif Rana said Lahore Qalandars’ brand ambassadors would visit neighborhoods and clubs across the city to encourage youth participation. He expressed the hope that players identified through the trials would progress to higher levels on merit.