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LAHORE - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a comprehensive merit-based selection policy for the National U-19 Championship and National U-19 Cup 2026-27, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, fairness and talent development in domestic cricket. Senior General Manager Domestic Cricket Operations Usama Sharron Niazi said the new framework places merit, recent performances, fitness and age eligibility at the heart of the selection process, ensuring equal opportunities for talented young cricketers across the country. Under the policy, each regional association will initially shortlist a maximum of 32 players, all of whom must pass a mandatory fitness test before becoming eligible for final selection. Regional selection committees will comprise the regional head coach, Regional Cricket Association officials, district coaches and an analyst to ensure objective and transparent selections. Niazi said players who have represented Pakistan U-19 team during the past year, attended the recent national U-19 training camp, and the best batter and bowler from the previous regional U-19 season will qualify for automatic selection, provided they meet the prescribed age and fitness criteria. The remaining players will be selected primarily on their performances in the Regional Inter-District U-19 Tournament 2025-26, with specialist batters, fast bowlers, spinners, wicketkeepers and all-rounders assessed strictly on merit. Each region will ultimately select 20 players (15 main squad and five reserves) for the 2026-27 season. PCB officials said the new system provides a clear, transparent and performance-based pathway for emerging cricketers while strengthening competition and talent identification at the grassroots level.