The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially launched one of its most ambitious grassroots programs in recent years: the Future Stars Talent Hunt Programme 2026.

Announced by Aqib Javed, PCB Director of High Performance, during a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, the initiative aims to identify raw cricketing talent from across Pakistan and build a structured pathway from street cricket to the national team.

This is not just another trial camp. It is a nationwide system designed to feed players into regional academies, the National Cricket Academy, Pakistan Shaheens, and eventually the HBL PSL and senior national side.

What Is the PCB Future Stars Talent Hunt 2026?

The program is a structured, multi-phase talent identification drive covering 15 cities from February to May 2026.

Core Objective

Bridge the gap between:

• Street and school cricket
• Regional domestic competitions
• Pakistan Shaheens
• HBL PSL franchises
• Pakistan National Team

PCB has introduced a pyramid structure linking school cricket (launched in 2025) directly to regional high-performance academies.

Selection Panel – Legends Leading the Process

The trials will be supervised by a high-profile selection committee including:

• Aqib Javed
• Misbah-ul-Haq
• Abdul Razzaq

Their presence ensures merit-based evaluation and credibility.

Key Features of the Program

1. Nationwide Shortlisting

Approximately 350 players will be shortlisted across Pakistan.

2. Regional Academy Induction

Up to 24 players from each of the 16 regions will enter specialized 4-week training camps.

3. Immediate Cash Rewards

At every venue:

• Best Pacer
• Best Spinner
• Best Batter
  will receive on-the-spot cash prizes.

4. National Cricket Academy Pathway

Exceptional performers will be invited to train at the
National Cricket Academy
for a year-long development program.

This is a direct pipeline to Pakistan Shaheens and PSL franchises.

PCB Trials 2026 Registration – Complete Guide

PCB Talent Hunt Program 2026 Registration Online

Players must register through the official PCB Registration Portal:

Official Portal: registration.pcb.com.pk

Steps:

1. Visit the PCB registration website.
2. Create an account.
3. Fill in personal details.
4. Select age category (U-15, U-17, U-19).
5. Upload required documents.
6. Submit form and note registration confirmation.

Online registration is strongly recommended to avoid long queues at trial venues.

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PCB Trials 2026 Registration Date

Trials are scheduled from February to May 2026, depending on region.

Early registration is advised as slots may close before trial day.

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PCB Trials 2026 Registration Form – Required Documents

Players must bring:

• Original Form-B (for minors)
• Original CNIC (for U-19 players)
• Personal cricket gear (bat, pads, gloves, spikes)
• Printed registration confirmation (if registered online)

Basic equipment is often available for players in need, but personal gear is preferred.

Trial Schedule & Venues (Feb – May 2026)

Here is the confirmed schedule:

More venues may be announced if participation exceeds expectations.

Age Groups & Eligibility Criteria

The program targets youth in three categories:

• Under-15
• Under-17
• Under-19

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be Pakistani citizen.
• Must fall within official age bracket.
• Must provide authentic NADRA-issued identification.
• Must meet PCB fitness standards.

Players already contracted in domestic teams may be evaluated separately.

Why This Program Is Historic

This is the first time PCB has created a fully integrated talent pyramid, connecting:

School Cricket → Regional Academies → NCA → Pakistan Shaheens → PSL → National Team

Previously, many talented players were overlooked due to lack of club access. By taking trials to 15 cities, PCB is actively searching for hidden “street stars.”

PCB Talent Hunt Program 2025 vs 2026

The 2025 program focused heavily on school-level integration. The 2026 edition expands that framework with:

• More cities
• Larger shortlisting pool
• Direct NCA pathway
• Structured high-performance camps

This expansion reflects PCB’s long-term strategic vision.

What Happens After Selection?

Selected players will:

1. Enter 4-week regional training.
2. Undergo fitness testing.
3. Receive coaching from certified PCB trainers.
4. Be evaluated for Pakistan Shaheens.
5. Potentially enter PSL draft radar.

Standout pacers, mystery spinners, and attacking batters are being prioritized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Analysis

The Future Stars Talent Hunt 2026 is more than a trial series. It is a structural reform in Pakistan’s cricket development ecosystem.

With legends overseeing selections and a direct pipeline to the National Cricket Academy, this program could shape Pakistan’s next generation of fast bowlers, spinners, and dynamic batters.

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