Peshawar Zalmi host Talent Hunt Trials at Arbab Niaz Stadium

Peshawar Zalmi has brought cricket back to its home city. Thousands of young cricketers gathered at the Arbab Niaz Stadium for the Zalmi Talent Hunt Trials on Wednesday.

Around 8,000 aspiring cricketers took part in the trials, where they showed their skills in front of a team of experienced coaches and former Pakistan cricketers. The trials were supervised by Mohammad Yousuf, Kamran Akmal, Umar Gul, and Zalmi’s Director of Cricket, Mohammad Akram.

After the trials, the selected players will compete in matches from January 2 to 5 at the Hayatabad Sports Complex.

Mohammad Akram, while overseeing the event, gave an update on the development of Arbab Niaz Stadium. He expressed his confidence that the stadium would be ready to host international matches soon. "About 20 to 25 percent of the work is remaining. This stadium can be made ready with dedicated efforts. By the will of Almighty Allah, by 2025, cricket will return to this venue," Akram said.

Akram also emphasized that the project is part of a larger plan to improve cricket facilities in the region, including the construction of 100 new pitches.

Kamran Akmal, Pakistan's former wicketkeeper batter, echoed Akram's thoughts, highlighting the talent in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. "There is exceptional talent here, and we hope to discover many promising players. Zalmi’s management provides opportunities, and once the stadium is completed, it will host PSL, domestic, and international matches," Akmal said. He added that a significant portion of Pakistan's national team comes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, underscoring the importance of supporting local talent.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Syed Fakhar Jahan, confirmed that the construction of the stadium would be finished by February 15, 2025. Zalmi’s owner, Javed Afridi, also requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to consider Peshawar as a venue for the upcoming PSL 10. Afridi shared the good news on social media after receiving support from the Chief Minister and PCB Chairman. "Get ready for some thrilling events before PSL, fans will see International Stars at KP Soil. InshaAllah," Afridi posted.

Peshawar Zalmi is one of the most successful teams in PSL history, having won the title in 2017 and consistently making it to the playoffs in all nine editions of the league.