THE search is on for budding cricket stars of the future.

The Lancashire Cricket Board’s (LCB) Talent Search is back for 2017 and is looking for promising players to take part in this year’s ECB City Cup, which was won by Manchester last year.

As in previous years the LCB is particularly interested in hearing from players from a South Asian heritage who must be aged between 16 and 21.

Players will book on to one of the Talent sessions running through April, including at the indoor cricket centre at Emirates Old Trafford.

The LCB will be looking to signpost players into further recreational cricket opportunities and where appropriate into five teams to take part in the Lancashire county’s LCB City Cup competition during July and August 2017.

From these competitions selection of a squad of players will be carried out to represent Lancashire in the ECB City Cup during late August into September.

Last year, more than 100 players took part in the trial. Team Manchester went on to win the ECB City Cup to be crowned national champions late last summer, beating South London at the Fischer County Ground, Grace Road, Leicestershire.

A number of players identified through this programme were used as ‘practice’ bowlers for the international players during the England v Pakistan Test Match at Emirates Old Trafford. Another excellent success was a fixture in late August against the Lancashire County Cricket Club’s Academy, an opportunity for the players to showcase their skills against a strong young Academy squad.

Outside of the programme, players were able to discuss their cricket needs with the LCB who provided advice and support of linking with and joining local cricket clubs.

James Cutt, clubs and leagues officer for the Lancashire Cricket Board, said: “I’m really pleased to be able to launch details of this year’s talent search, leading to City Cup.

"The legacy of this programme continues to grow in Lancashire."

The talent session at Emirates Old Trafford will be held on April 10 or 12 from 6 to 8pm. There will be other trails at Blackburn, Preston, Ashton-under-Lyne, Liverpool and Rochdale.To book to take part text 07595 520536 or email jcutt@lccc.co.uk and provide date of birth, where you live and if you play for a club (club name) and which trial you want to book on.

All participants are required to bring their own cricket equipment.