Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi says the PCB is looking for new cricket talent through its school talent hunt programme.
He said 21,000 students from 1,400 schools are taking part in the programme.
A total of 2,900 matches will be played during the tournament. The final is scheduled for December.
Naqvi said the PCB will adopt the top 50 teams. Their players will receive support for training and nutrition.
He said the PCB will also try to provide facilities where schools lack cricket grounds or other basic resources.
A Director of School Cricket will also be appointed. A dedicated team will work with schools throughout the year.
Naqvi said team results alone will not determine talent selection. Individual player performances will also be assessed.
He added that around 25 young players are already being developed at academy level. An important announcement about them is expected soon.
Naqvi also hopes the number of participating schools will cross 2,000 next year.
