RAWALPINDI: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi on Saturday announced the formation of a cricket team named Rawalpindi Tigers, comprising youth from Rawalpindi, with trials scheduled to be held on February 14 and 15.

“Players with Rawalpindi domicile will be included in the team purely on the basis of merit, and this team will not only participate in the PSL but will also be developed as a world-class team,” he said while addressing a press conference at his residence.

Accompanied by Lahore Qalandars Chief Executive Officer Atif Rana, the railways minister said the trials would be held on February 14 and 15. “Any youngster appearing in the trials will be selected on merit,” he added.

He said the Lahore Qalandars CEO would guide the initiative. He further stated that only youth with Rawalpindi domicile would be included in the Rawalpindi Tigers and that the team would participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Thanking the Lahore Qalandars CEO for visiting Rawalpindi, Mr Abbasi said the franchise had played an important role in promoting cricket among the youth. “Pakistanis have a romance with cricket. We are announcing the formation of the Rawalpindi Tigers team, which will be developed as a world-class team,” he said.

He said he had been a fan of Lahore Qalandars from the beginning. “We have provided sports facilities to the youth of Rawalpindi in colleges and schools. We are providing a major platform to the youth purely on merit,” he said, adding that the trials would be sponsored by Capital Smart City.

On the occasion, Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana said he had a long-standing relationship with Hanif Abbasi, who had provided great support during Lahore Qalandars trials in the past. He also praised the cleanliness system in Rawalpindi.

He said Lahore Qalandars deserved credit for the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, under which trials were conducted for 300,000 children. He added that Hanif Abbasi was providing facilities to the youth while serving the public.

“We will conduct trials in Rawalpindi before the PSL auction. We have teams in every area and school of Rawalpindi,” he said, adding that all trials would be conducted on merit and talent would be introduced to the world.

He said a development squad would be called from outside to train the players. “Initially, a Rawalpindi Tigers club will be formed, and 20 players will be selected in the first phase,” he added.

Published in Dawn, January 25th, 2026