Lahore Qalandars and PMYP lead Pakistan’s cricketing renaissance | Sports

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In a country where cricket is more than just a sport, Lahore Qalandars continue to forge ahead not just as a franchise, but as a movement shaping Pakistan’s cricketing future. His ongoing collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has evolved into one of the most comprehensive and impressive sports development projects in the country’s history, reaffirming his commitment to nurturing raw talent from every corner of Pakistan.

With an unbridled passion and vision to transcend the boundaries of franchise cricket, Lahore Qalandars has taken its Player Development Program (PDP) to new heights. Through a nationwide talent hunt that reaches deep into remote cities and valleys, they have given thousands of young Pakistanis not just a platform, but a purpose. His Player Development Program (PDP) has gained international recognition, inspiring similar initiatives in Africa, North America and Europe.

The recently concluded PMYP-Lahore QAlandars Cricket Trials marked the completion of an extraordinary journey spanning every region of Pakistan. From Balochistan to Gilgit-Baltistan, from the coastal belts of Sindh to the hill towns of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Tests mark a new era of involvement in Pakistan cricket.

The heart-wrenching stories at each stage of the ordeal, from miles of walking, being cheered on by the families, and united by parties united around the hope of wearing Pakistan green in their own clothes. In Kohat, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, and Skardu, thousands of boys and girls showcased their passion, discipline and raw skill, reminding everyone that the heartbeat of cricket still resonates strongly across Pakistan’s diverse landscape.

“It has been a memorable journey,” said Atif Naeem Rana, CEO and owner of Lahore Qalandars. “We have not only discovered hidden gems, but also given them conviction, direction and a clear path forward. This is more than a search for talent, it is an inspiration for hope and opportunity.”

Atif Rana credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PMP Chairman Rana Meshood Ahmad Khan, and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for turning the vision into a nationwide mission. “Their trust and partnership turned an idea into a reality, connecting dreams with direction and opportunities with young people,” he added.

The thanks were mutual. From Skardu to Quetta, young players expressed heartfelt gratitude. “These trials gave us the courage to dream big,” said a young cricketer from Skardu. “For the first time, we got to see, collaborate, and inspire to represent our country.”

The next chapter of the journey began in Quetta, where the PMEP-Lahore Qalandars Balochistan Provincial Cricket League officially kicked off at the historic Bugti Stadium. The program not only ushered in competition, but also gave birth to a sustainable cricket ecosystem designed to develop future professionals.

Five regional teams, Quetta, Turbat, Khuzdar, Loralai, and Dera Murad Jamali are currently participating in the inaugural edition of the league. These teams were carefully selected from open, merit-based trials across Balochistan, ensuring that every talented cricketer, regardless of background, got a fair chance.

According to Atif Rana, the massive turnout has exceeded expectations. “In Balochistan alone, more than 14,000 young players took part in the trial. Across Punjab, Sindh and KP, the response was equally amazing, 26,000 in Multan and Bahawalpur, 20,000 in Faisalabad, and more than 12,000 in Sargodha. It shows how deep cricket runs in the veins of our youth.”

The Provincial Cricket League is designed to provide structured competition and professional exposure to these budding players. The league will soon expand to Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the federal capital, ensuring that each region contributes to the national talent pool. Lahore Qalandars’ development framework is not limited to discovering talent, it is equally focused on nurturing it. The franchise has already established training academies, scholarships and mentorship programs under the PMYP umbrella to provide ongoing support to young players.

“The ultimate goal is to create a steady pipeline of cricketers ready for Pakistan’s domestic and international stages,” explained Rana. “Through coaching, competition and character building, we want to help these youngsters become true professionals.”

In fact, the determination of Lahore Qalandars has reshaped the character of the cricket franchise. His development model now serves as a blueprint for sports-based youth empowerment, combining athletic growth with academic and social development.

More than a sporting initiative, the PMYP-Lahore QAlandars partnership represents nation-building through cricket. It bridges communities, empowers youth, and reinforces the belief that talent knows no borders. The program’s holistic approach unites the diverse regions of Pakistan under one flag, the flag of opportunity.

By integrating sports development with youth engagement, the initiative is not just about building cricketers. It is building trust, resilience and unity. As provincial leagues develop and dreamers from every corner of the country enter the fray, one thing is for sure, the future of Pakistan cricket is in committed, capable and enthusiastic hands.

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