Dhaka: Robi Axiata, in partnership with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), today launched "Robi Bowler Hunt", a nationwide talent-discovery initiative to identify promising male and female fast bowlers and spinners from across the country. The initiative was launched at the BCB headquarters at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, said a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the "Robi Bowler Hunt" will conduct a series of trials across the country, giving aspiring bowlers an opportunity to showcase their skills and pursue a pathway towards professional cricket. The nationwide trial programme is set to begin in Sylhet on September 27 and will cover all divisional cities, with Dhaka hosting two trials, making the total number of trials nine.
Following the divisional trials, a select number of bowlers from each location will be invited to a final camp in Dhaka. Winners chosen by the BCB will be enrolled in the board's player development and grooming programme for advanced training and mentoring. Registration for the hunt will be available through the "My Robi" and "My Cirkle Apps" following the launch, with participants able to register until the day before the trial in their respective locations.
The hunt will feature an expert judging panel, including former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed and former West Indies fast bowler Corey Collymore, along with several former Bangladesh national cricketers. Current and former national team players will attend both the divisional trials and the final round.
Speaking at the launch, Robi Managing Director (MD) and CEO Ziad Shatara emphasized that cricket is one of Bangladesh's greatest passions and highlighted the untapped bowling talent in every corner of the country. He stated, "Through 'Robi Bowler Hunt', we are providing aspiring fast bowlers and spinners, both male and female, with a nationwide platform to showcase their skills." He further added that, in partnership with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, this initiative aims not only to discover promising talent but also to create a pathway for their future development.
BCB President Tamim Iqbal Khan expressed that the initiative would contribute to identifying and developing new talent for Bangladesh cricket, stating, "Bangladesh's continued success in cricket depends on discovering and developing new talent. 'Robi Bowler Hunt' will help identify promising fast bowlers and spinners, both male and female, from across the country."