Lahore: The National U15 and U17 Cup kicked off on February 14, featuring more than 500 players in a series of one-day tournaments across 11 cities in Pakistan. Scheduled to run throughout the month, the events are designed to foster young cricket talent nationwide.

According to a statement by Pakistan Cricket Board, these competitions are part of a new grassroots initiative aimed at scouting and developing young talent across the country. The selection process for the regional teams was completed in January through a comprehensive two-phase trial.

The tournaments comprise 18 regional teams, divided into three groups for both age categories. Each team will participate in five 50-over matches before entering the triangular stage from February 24 to 26. The group winners will progress to the triangular stage, with the top two teams competing in the finals on February 28.

Matches for the U15 Cup are being held in Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Lahore, Rahim Yar Khan, Sadiqabad, and Sargodha, while the U17 Cup games are hosted in Abbottabad, Charsadda, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi. Details of the venues for the later stages of the tournament will be announced in due course.