Speaking to the media in Lahore, Naqvi said the programme has been expanded across the country, providing students from areas ranging from Gwadar to Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan an opportunity to showcase their cricketing skills.
Around 2,900 matches will be played as part of the programme, with the final scheduled to take place in December.
Naqvi said the PCB will adopt 50 teams that demonstrate strong performances during the tournament. The board will provide support for the players associated with these teams, including training, nutrition and other necessary requirements.
He said the programme would not be limited to major cities or schools that already have better cricket facilities. The PCB also aims to provide opportunities to young players in areas where sports infrastructure is limited.
According to Naqvi, efforts will also be made to provide basic facilities at schools that lack cricket grounds or other sports infrastructure, enabling young players to develop their skills in a suitable environment.
The PCB chairman said a Director of School Cricket would be appointed and a dedicated team would be established to run the school cricket system on a permanent basis. The team will remain in contact with schools throughout the year and monitor emerging talent from different regions.
Naqvi stressed that player selection would not be based solely on whether a team wins a match or finishes in a higher position in the tournament. He said individual performances would also be given importance, as a team could perform poorly while having one or two players with exceptional talent.
Teams comprising former cricketers and relevant experts are being formed to identify talented players. They will assess individual skills, technique and performances during matches.
Naqvi also revealed that work is already underway at the academy level with around 25 young players, with an important announcement expected regarding them in the coming days.
He said strengthening school cricket was important for the future of the sport in Pakistan, as early access to quality coaching, proper nutrition and better playing opportunities could help young players develop their abilities.
The PCB chairman also urged the media to highlight efforts to promote school cricket so that talented youngsters from different parts of the country can gain greater access to opportunities.
Naqvi expressed hope that the school talent hunt programme would be expanded further, with the number of participating schools expected to exceed 2,000 next year.
