Nelson Mandela Talent Hunt Program launches in Karachi to promote cricket and social unity

Karachi U19 cricket team is set to tour South Africa as part of the Nelson Mandela Talent Hunt program. His Excellency Mthuthuzeli Madikiza, the South African High Commissioner to Pakistan, launched the program and expressed how Nelson Mandela was inspired by Pakistan’s founder, Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and had great respect for Pakistan’s unflinching support to dismantle apartheid. The program is not just about cricket, but it also has a deep noble purpose, which is to open the door of opportunities for underprivileged children to try their fortune in international cricket and dream big.

The Nelson Mandela Talent Hunt program is a new cricket league that will provide young underprivileged cricketers from all over Karachi the opportunity to showcase their talent and advance their aspirations of playing professional cricket. Together with the South African High Commission in Pakistan, the league aims to employ the power of sport as a medium for sustainable positive change in their communities, bridge cultural divides, promote mutual understanding, and give hope to the next generation.

Trials for U19 cricketers will take place in the third week of May 2023 in Karachi, and a dedicated coaching/selection panel, including former Pakistan Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and Test Cricketer Fawad Alam, will share their knowledge of cricket with the rising stars from Karachi. 60 kids will be selected after the trials and divided into four teams of 15 players each. The panel will then select the final 15 players who will travel to South Africa and play with greats of cricket in South Africa, gaining invaluable experience.

The Nelson Mandela Talent Hunt program is an excellent initiative that uses sport to promote unity, selflessness, and human service, just like Mandela did during his lifetime. The program not only provides opportunities for young underprivileged cricketers to showcase their talent, but it also promotes mutual understanding and cultural exchange between Pakistan and South Africa. The program’s detail program and event calendar will be published shortly and shared with the press.