The Nelson Mandela Talent Hunt Programme has concluded its activities with the final round of trials taking place on Sunday, June 2, at Asghar Ali Shah Cricket Stadium in Karachi.
Over 180 shortlisted players participated in the trials to have their skills further assessed by selectors, including Shadab Kabir, Tahir Khan, and Mohtashim.
This talent hunt programme, a first-of-its-kind, was designed to provide equal opportunities to underprivileged children in Karachi and was conceptualized by Majeed Bashir Ahmed, Chairman of Bristol Engineering and Honorary Council of South Africa in Karachi.
The initiative received strong support from the South African High Commission in Pakistan. Today, 60 players have been chosen after undergoing trials in two phases.
Mentoring the selected players are Champions Trophy 2017 winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and batter Fawad Alam. Sarfaraz was announced as the programme’s ambassador in May, and both he and Fawad interacted with the young participants, offering words of wisdom and commending their potential and the initiative.
Sarfaraz expressed his appreciation for the programme and praised the experienced selection panel, stating his intention to share his knowledge and provide valuable advice to the players based on his own experiences.
Fawad Alam, a Test cricketer, highlighted the abundance of talent in Karachi and praised the initiative for providing local talent with an opportunity to shine at the highest level.
The next phase will involve forming four teams from the selected 60 players, who will compete in matches to determine the final 16.
The chosen players will then travel to South Africa to receive better training and gain international exposure, crucial for honing their skills.