Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi on Sunday announced major initiatives aimed at promoting cricket among Rawalpindi’s youth, including the formation of a Rawalpindi Tigers team for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the establishment of a district women’s cricket team.
Addressing a joint press conference with Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana, Abbasi said Lahore Qalandars had played a key role in nurturing Pakistan’s youth and strengthening their deep-rooted passion for cricket.
The minister announced that open trials for Rawalpindi youth will be held on February 14 and 15.
He said players selected through these trials would also be sent abroad for further training and exposure.
Abbasi revealed that the team emerging from these trials would compete under the name Rawalpindi Tigers in the PSL.
He also announced plans to form a Rawalpindi district women’s cricket team.
“Young people are always present at my rallies. I owe them, and I am now repaying that debt,” he said.
He further disclosed plans to convert the Railway Ground into a stadium named after the late Najma Hamid, calling it a step towards strengthening sports infrastructure in the city.
Speaking on the occasion, Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana said the franchise had conducted trials this year in 28 cities across Pakistan under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme.
He termed it an honour to be present in Rawalpindi with “Sardar Qalandar” (Hanif Abbasi) and reiterated that all selections would be strictly merit-based.
Abbasi added that the entire trial process would be supported by Capital Smart City, while making it clear that only players holding a Rawalpindi domicile would be eligible to participate in the trials.