Robi Axiata, in partnership with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), has launched 'Robi Bowler Hunt', a nationwide talent-discovery initiative aimed at identifying 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.
Through a series of trials across the country, 'Robi Bowler Hunt' will provide aspiring bowlers with an opportunity to showcase their skills and pursue a pathway towards professional cricket. The nationwide trial programme will commence in Sylhet on September 27 and will cover all divisional cities, with Dhaka hosting two trials, bringing the total number of trials to nine.
Following the divisional trials, a select number of bowlers from each location will be invited to a final camp in Dhaka. Winners selected 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 said cricket was one of Bangladesh's greatest passions and that the country had untapped bowling talent in every corner. '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 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 emphasized the importance of the initiative in identifying and developing new talent for Bangladesh cricket. '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,' he said.
