In a major boost for talent development in Pakistan, nine cricketers selected through Peshawar Zalmi’s talent hunt trials will now represent Kuwait in international cricket, marking a significant milestone in the franchise’s grassroots efforts.
The players — Abdul Rauf, Muhammad Haroon, Haroon Rasheed, Haseeb Khan, Jehanzeb Khan, Abdullah, Muhammad Salman, Saqib Khan, and Shuraim Ali Khan — were chosen after standing out in open trials held earlier this year in Peshawar at the Arbab Niaz Stadium and Hayatabad Sports Complex. Thousands of young hopefuls had participated from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Under a cricketing exchange program, these players will also compete in Kuwait’s domestic leagues and receive employment opportunities, offering both exposure and career stability. The initiative is part of a broader Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Peshawar Zalmi and Kuwait Cricket to enhance bilateral cricketing ties and develop talent through international experience.
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The @KuwaitCricket saw over , … pic.twitter.com/eF504eq70k
— Peshawar Zalmi (@PeshawarZalmi) July 22, 2025
“This is part of our mission to give young players global platforms,” said Zalmi Chairman Javed Afridi, who emphasized that the program is not just about playing opportunities but also about building cricket infrastructure and long-term careers.
The trials were overseen by several notable names in Pakistani cricket, including Inzamam-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Akram, Mohammad Yousuf, and Umar Gul. This initiative joins other Zalmi Foundation programs such as the Zalmi Madrasa League, Azadi Cup, School League, and Media League, all aimed at empowering youth through sport.