As many as 16 players were picked out of around twenty-four thousand aspirants who appeared in the trials arranged by the Lahore Qalandars in the second phase of their ‘rising star program.’
Around fourteen thousand appeared in the trials on the first day and ten thousand showed up on the second day in Rawalpindi. “The response in Rawalpindi was overwhelming, as great talent was unearthed in this city despite [the two-day trial] beginning on a holiday,” said Atif Rana of Lahore Qalandars.
“The selection process remained the same; participants were shortlisted on the first day, and carried forward to the second-day where the players were further shortlisted until finally, the best squad was selected to represent the Rawalpindi Rising Stars team,” he said.
According to a statement by the Lahore Qalandars, the first day of the trial was a terrific experience and the turnout was massive. An even bigger number of aspirants showed up at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium than the thousands who appeared in Kashmir some time back.
“Pakistan Cricket team and Lahore Qalandars star Yasir Shah also visited the trials; they extended their support to the Rising Stars initiative, and witnessed the young-talent showcasing their skills,” the statement said. Yasir’s wonderful and motivating personality on the field motivated the participants even more, as he talked to young players individually, gave them tips, and shared tricks to boost their morale.
The first phase of trials of the 9-phase talent hunt was held in Azad Kashmir where thirty-five thousand aspirants showed interest in becoming a part of the Lahore Qalandars squad. The next stop for Qalandars will be Sargodha on September 7 and 8.
