Pakistan Cup 2019 squads and schedule announced (April 2-12)

[Abdullah719]

Punjab hope to make a big impression in Pakistan Cup

· “We have a well-balanced squad with capable batsmen and bowlers” says captain Kamran Akmal

· Punjab to take on Balochistan in tournament opener on 2 April; all 11 matches to be played at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, with the final on 12 April

· Hussain Talat replaces injured Anwar Ali in the squad

Lahore, 28 March 2019:

Punjab captain Kamran Akmal has backed his squad’s potential of winning the prestigious Pakistan Cup 2019 trophy, when the five-team tournament commences at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, on 2 April.

“We have a well-balanced squad with capable batsmen and bowlers, we have a good combination for the tournament, and we really want to perform well for our Punjab team.” Kamran said.

Federal Areas will defend the title, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan are the other competing teams in the tournament. All 11 matches of the tournament will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, with the top two sides from the single-league competition progressing to the 12 April final.

Punjab are searching for their maiden Pakistan Cup title. Their best performance to date was in the inaugural edition in 2016 when they reached the final. They failed to finish in the top two in the 2017 and 2018 editions.

Kamran observed Punjab had an explosive batting line-up that could provide a stiff challenge to the opposition bowling attacks.

“I feel we have some quality performers in the batting department. Khurram Manzoor, Sami Aslam, Iftikhar Ahmed and Fahad Iqbal give batting a good shape with their experience and pedigree, I really like the combination and I hope the batsmen will deliver for us,” the wicketkeeper/batsman said.

Kamran, who has represented Pakistan in 53 Tests, 157 ODIs and 58 T20Is, reposed confidence in his team’s bowling when he said: “Mohammad Asghar and Kashif Bhatti lead our spin department, while we have the experienced Mohammad Sami and Bilawal Bhatti leading our pace attack with Ehsan Adil. Sohail Tanveer, a versatile white ball performer, also gives us real bowling depth.”

The selectors have made one change in the Punjab squad. Left-handed batsman Hussain Talat has replaced Anwar Ali, who is injured and unavailable for the tournament. Hussain was part of Pakistan’s ODI and T20I squads on the tour of South Africa earlier in the year, while he represented Islamabad United in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2019.

Other than Kamran, Punjab have Sami Aslam and Khurram providing real firepower at the top of the batting order. Hussain, Fahad Iqbal and Saad Ali form the middle-order, Saad and Hussain would be aiming to impress the selectors especially with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Pakistan team selection due after the Pakistan Cup. For this event, the selectors have the option of including a few more players if they feel necessary before revealing the World Cup squad.

Punjab have a formidable bowling department that covers almost all the bases for skipper Kamran. Mohammad Sami, Sohail Tanveer, Bilawal and Ehsan have the ability to unsettle any batting line-up while Asghar and Kashif provide capable spin bowling options.

Karachi-born off-spinner Waleed Ahmed is another bowling option available to Kamran. The 26-year-old made an impressive start to his List A career taking 10 wickets in his first five matches with a best of six for 28.

Punjab squad - Kamran Akmal (WK, captain); Bilawal Bhatti; Ehsan Adil; Fahad Iqbal; Hussain Talat; Iftikhar Ahmed; Kashif Bhatti; Khurram Manzoor; Mohammad Asghar; Mohammad Sami; Ramiz Aziz; Saad Ali; Sami Aslam; Sohail Tanveer and Waleed Ahmed

Punjab fixtures (matches start 2pm):

Tue, 2 April – v Balochistan
Fri, 5 April – v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Mon, 8 April - v Federal Areas
Thu, 11 April – v Sindh
Fri, 12 April - FINAL

 

[shaaik]

Balochistan, a blend of youth and experience for Pakistan Cup

• “We have a very good team for the 50-over format. This tournament is a big opportunity for all players to prove their worth,” says Asad Shafiq

• Balochistan to take on Punjab in tournament opener on 2 April; all 11 matches to be played at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, with the final on 12 April

• PCB to provide match reports, action photographs and post-match media conferences

Balochistan are geared up for a big performance in the Pakistan Cup 2019 when the five teams converge to Rawalpindi for the tournament which commences at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on 2 April.

Captain Asad Shafiq was excited at the opportunity of leading the Balochistan side, and felt his team was well balanced and had a good combination for the 50-over format.

“We have a very good team for the 50-over format. The tournament is a big opportunity for all the players to prove their worth at a big stage,” Asad said.

The Balochistan captain was keen on motivating his team with Pakistan team’s selection due for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 at the end of the tournament. The Test batsman also asked his side’s fans to pray for the team’s success.

“We will try our best to win the tournament, the event is very well planned since the World Cup squad will be announced after the tournament ends, the performers have an opportunity of getting selected for the coveted event,” Asad added.

Federal Areas will defend the title, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan are the other competing teams in the tournament. All 11 matches will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, with the top two sides from the single-league competition progressing to the 12 April final.

Balochistan failed to make it to the final in the 2018 edition, but came very close to winning the title in the 2017 edition before losing to the Federal Areas by one wicket off the last-ball. They won two matches in the 2016 edition, but failed to reach the final.

For the 2019 edition, Balochistan have a solid batting line-up with the hugely experienced Asad set to be the guiding force. Asad, a veteran of 69 Tests, 60 ODIs and 10 T20Is, has amassed 4444 runs in 122 List A matches.

The middle-order also includes the left-handed Fawad Alam, who also has rich cricket experience, while another left-hander Awais Zia provides firepower at the top of the innings in his opener’s role.

Balochistan also have the explosive Umar Akmal in their batting ranks who will join the side following the ODI series against Australia, which is presently in progress in the United Arab Emirates.

Quetta-born wicket-keeper batsman Bismillah Khan would be hoping to build onto his success in the Pakistan Cup 2018 edition. The right-hander, representing Balochistan, scored 239 runs at 59.75 in four games at an impressive strike-rate of 120.70.

Balochistan also have an exciting bowling line-up, which includes HBL Pakistan Super League franchise Lahore Qalandar’s pace sensation Haris Rauf. Haris is expected to lead the pace attack, which also includes Mohammad Irfan Sr, Taj Wali and Ghulam Mudassar.

Mudassar performed admirably in the Pakistan Cup 2017, taking seven wickets in four games for Balochistan to finish fourth on the bowling charts.

Umar Khan, who was adjudged Emerging Player of HBL PSL 2019 after he consistently bamboozled the opponents with his flight and control during a highly successful event, would be keen on making a big impression with his left-arm spin bowling.

Balochistan - Asad Shafiq (captain); Ali Imran; Ammad Butt; Awais Zia; Bismillah Khan (WK); Fawad Alam; Ghulam Mudassar; Haris Rauf; Mohammad Irfan Sr; Qaiser Ashraf; Taj Wali; Umar Khan; Umer Akmal; Waqar Hussain (WK) and Zeeshan Ashraf

Balochistan fixtures (matches start 2pm):

Tue, 2 April – v Punjab
Thu, 4 April – v Sindh
Sun, 7 April – v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Wed, 10 April – v Federal Areas
Fri, 12 April - FINAL

 

[Khan12]

So Hussain talat couldn't make the squads as well. Get rid of inzi.

 

[Abdullah719]

So Hussain talat couldn't make the squads as well. Get rid of inzi.

He has been added as a replacement after Anwar Ali was ruled out due to injury.

 

[Khan12]

He has been added as a replacement after Anwar Ali was ruled out due to injury.

Exactly my point he wasn't in the original squad. Pathetic.

 

[Abdullah719]

Sindh brace for Pakistan Cup challenge under Umar Gul

• “I really like the Pakistan Cup, it is one of our leading tournaments,” says the former international fast bowler

• Sindh take on Balochistan in their opening match on 4 April; all 11 matches to be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, with the final on 12 April

• PCB to provide match reports, action photographs and post-match media conferences

Lahore, 30 March 2019:

Umar Gul-led Sindh are in high spirits and hope to re-write Pakistan Cup history when the five-team tournament gets underway at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, on 2 April.

Sindh have never made it to the final in the past three editions. They finished third in 2016 and 2017, and fourth in 2018.

Umar is a fan of Pakistan Cup and, as a leader, his aim is to make Sindh prosper and challenge the other teams with the target of turning the team’s fortunes around.

“I really like the Pakistan Cup, it is one of our leading 50-over competitions. I have good understanding with most of the players and as a captain, as a leader, I have full confidence in my team. It should be a really competitive tournament as all five teams are well-balanced and look strong,” said Umar, who played 47 Tests, 130 ODIs and 60 T20Is between 2003 and 2016.

Umar had a decent outing for Balochistan in last year’s Pakistan Cup, when he collected four wickets in as many games. He took third spot in the bowlers’ chart in 2017 with seven wickets, while he claimed six wickets in 2016.

Umar had faith in his team’s bowling strength, which also included promising young fast bowler Mohammad Ilyas and experienced Junaid Khan and Rahat Ali.

Left-arm spinner Nauman Ali, who represented Multan Sultans in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2019, and Ashiq Ali are the spin bowling options available to Umar.

Umar also backed his batting line-up to deliver the goods at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. “Our batting is very strong too with experienced batsmen like Umar Amin and Umar Siddiq, who can also keep wickets along with Mohammad Hassan.”

The Sindh squad also have hard-hitting middle-order batsman Asif Ali in their ranks. The right-hander has represented Pakistan in 11 ODIs and 19 T20Is, and is known for his six-hitting abilities, having already hit 12 in his short ODI career to date while scoring 200 runs at a strike rate of 130.71.

Pakistan Cup 2018 provided phenomenal success for the Faisalabad-born Asif as he accumulated 328 runs in four innings at 109.33 and a strike-rate of 128.12. The tally included two centuries as Asif took full toll on the bowlers in his own backyard, Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, finishing as the second-highest run-getter behind Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Khurram Manzoor.

Federal Areas will defend the title, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan are the other competing teams in the tournament. All 11 matches of the tournament will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, with the top two sides from the single-league competition progressing to the 12 April final.


Sindh - Umar Gul (captain); Ahsan Ali; Amir Yamin; Ashiq Ali; Asif Ali; Hammad Azam; Imran Rafiq; Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hassan (WK); Mohammad Ilyas; Nauman Ali; Rahat Ali; Sahibzada Farhan; Umar Amin and Umar Siddiq (WK)

Sindh fixtures (matches start 2pm):

Thu, 4 April – v Balochistan
Sat, 6 April – v Federal Areas
Tue, 9 April – v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Thu, 11 April – v Punjab
Fri, 12 April - FINAL

 

[Abdullah719]

Federal Areas aim to continue Pakistan Cup winning run

• “Our target like any other side’s is to reach the final and win it,” says captain Mohammad Rizwan

• Defending champions to take on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in their opening match on 3 April; all 11 matches to be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium with the final on 12 April

• PCB to provide match reports, live scoring on website<http://www.pcb.com.pk>, action photographs and post-match media conferences; hastags are #PakistanCup and #KhelayGaPakistan; PTV Sports to televise all action live

• Captains to hold a photo-session with the trophy at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Monday at 215pm, which will be followed by a joint media conference

Rawalpindi, 31 March 2019:

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan hopes to carry forward his rich international form into the Pakistan Cup when he captains defending champions Federal Areas in the five-team one-day tournament, which commences at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, 2 April.
Federal Areas are the two-time winners of the Pakistan Cup with back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018, making them the most successful team in the very brief history of the tournament.

The 50-over tournament, whose all matches will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium and will start at 2pm, and provides a final opportunity to the players to stake a claim for the ICC Cricket World Cup-bound Pakistan cricket team which will be announced at the end of the tournament.

Rizwan, who to date has hit two centuries in four matches in the ongoing Pakistan-Australia ODI series in the UAE, has high hopes from his squad, while, on a personal note, he has vowed to make full use of his batting form.

“Our target like any other side is to reach the final and win it. As an individual, I want to continue my good performances in the Pakistan Cup and lead from the front,” Rizwan said, who will be available for the 3 April game as the Pakistan cricket team returns from the UAE on 2 April.

Rizwan also had a successful run in the Pakistan Cup 2018, when, representing Punjab, the right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman scored 294 runs in four innings, a tally that also included scores of 140 and 124 not out.

Interestingly, Rizwan’s 140 was against his new side Federal Areas in a losing cause, while his 124 not out had helped Punjab achieve a 366-run target against Balochistan.

Besides Rizwan, Federal Areas possesses some quality performers with the bat in Ahmed Shehzad and Sohaib Maqsood, and Rizwan hopes the duo will deliver the goods.

“We have Ahmad Shehzad and Sohaib Maqsood as our main batters and both are richly experienced. We also have other talented and experienced batsmen in Israrullah, Khurram Shahzad and Ramiz Raja Jr in the line-up who provide great depth to our batting,” Rizwan added.

Rawalpindi-born right-handed batsman Nihal Mansoor is another one to watch out for in the Federal Areas’ line-up. In 15 List A games, the 25-year-old has scored 655 runs at 50.38, including an unbeaten 133 not out for the PTV against WAPDA during the Quaid-e-Azam One-Day Cup last October.

Federal Areas bowling is spearheaded by Pakistan internationals Rumman Raees and Waqas Maqsood. Waqas was the leading wicket-taker in the Pakistan Cup 2018 with 14 wickets, including six for 63 against Balochistan.

Rizwan has identified Waqas and Rumman, the linchpins of his bowling attack. “If you look at our bowling, we have the talented and capable duo of Waqas and Rumman, while Mohammad Nawaz (left-arm spinner) is also there to support the pacers.”

Federal Areas - Mohammad Rizwan (WK, captain); Ahmed Shehzad; Asad Afridi; Bilal Asif; Israrullah; Khurram Shahzad; Mohammad Nawaz; Nihal Mansoor; Ramiz Raja Jr; Rumman Raees; Sameen Gul; Saud Shakil; Sohaib Maqsood; Waqas Maqsood and Zia-ul-Haq

Federal Areas Fixtures (matches start 2pm):

Wed, 3 April - v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Sat, 6 April – v Sindh
Mon, 8 April - v Punjab
Wed, 10 April v Balochistan
Fri, 12 April - FINAL

 

[Sher Khan]

Looks like he doesn’t rate Saud Shakeel as a good batsman. I really hope Saud gets atleast a few games to prove himself. It will be a travesty to select a hack like ramiz raja jr ahead of him.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

View attachment 89935

Federal Areas aim to continue Pakistan Cup winning run

• “Our target like any other side’s is to reach the final and win it,” says captain Mohammad Rizwan

• Defending champions to take on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in their opening match on 3 April; all 11 matches to be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium with the final on 12 April

• PCB to provide match reports, live scoring on website<http://www.pcb.com.pk>, action photographs and post-match media conferences; hastags are #PakistanCup and #KhelayGaPakistan; PTV Sports to televise all action live

• Captains to hold a photo-session with the trophy at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Monday at 215pm, which will be followed by a joint media conference

Rawalpindi, 31 March 2019:

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan hopes to carry forward his rich international form into the Pakistan Cup when he captains defending champions Federal Areas in the five-team one-day tournament, which commences at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, 2 April.
Federal Areas are the two-time winners of the Pakistan Cup with back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018, making them the most successful team in the very brief history of the tournament.

The 50-over tournament, whose all matches will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium and will start at 2pm, and provides a final opportunity to the players to stake a claim for the ICC Cricket World Cup-bound Pakistan cricket team which will be announced at the end of the tournament.

Rizwan, who to date has hit two centuries in four matches in the ongoing Pakistan-Australia ODI series in the UAE, has high hopes from his squad, while, on a personal note, he has vowed to make full use of his batting form.

“Our target like any other side is to reach the final and win it. As an individual, I want to continue my good performances in the Pakistan Cup and lead from the front,” Rizwan said, who will be available for the 3 April game as the Pakistan cricket team returns from the UAE on 2 April.

Rizwan also had a successful run in the Pakistan Cup 2018, when, representing Punjab, the right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman scored 294 runs in four innings, a tally that also included scores of 140 and 124 not out.

Interestingly, Rizwan’s 140 was against his new side Federal Areas in a losing cause, while his 124 not out had helped Punjab achieve a 366-run target against Balochistan.

Besides Rizwan, Federal Areas possesses some quality performers with the bat in Ahmed Shehzad and Sohaib Maqsood, and Rizwan hopes the duo will deliver the goods.

“We have Ahmad Shehzad and Sohaib Maqsood as our main batters and both are richly experienced. We also have other talented and experienced batsmen in Israrullah, Khurram Shahzad and Ramiz Raja Jr in the line-up who provide great depth to our batting,” Rizwan added.

Rawalpindi-born right-handed batsman Nihal Mansoor is another one to watch out for in the Federal Areas’ line-up. In 15 List A games, the 25-year-old has scored 655 runs at 50.38, including an unbeaten 133 not out for the PTV against WAPDA during the Quaid-e-Azam One-Day Cup last October.

Federal Areas bowling is spearheaded by Pakistan internationals Rumman Raees and Waqas Maqsood. Waqas was the leading wicket-taker in the Pakistan Cup 2018 with 14 wickets, including six for 63 against Balochistan.

Rizwan has identified Waqas and Rumman, the linchpins of his bowling attack. “If you look at our bowling, we have the talented and capable duo of Waqas and Rumman, while Mohammad Nawaz (left-arm spinner) is also there to support the pacers.”

Federal Areas - Mohammad Rizwan (WK, captain); Ahmed Shehzad; Asad Afridi; Bilal Asif; Israrullah; Khurram Shahzad; Mohammad Nawaz; Nihal Mansoor; Ramiz Raja Jr; Rumman Raees; Sameen Gul; Saud Shakil; Sohaib Maqsood; Waqas Maqsood and Zia-ul-Haq

Federal Areas Fixtures (matches start 2pm):

Wed, 3 April - v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Sat, 6 April – v Sindh
Mon, 8 April - v Punjab
Wed, 10 April v Balochistan
Fri, 12 April - FINAL

So Rizwan fails to mention 52 averaging Saud Shakil who has 4 List A centuries vs Saad Ali’s 1 List A century.



We remember how Saud Shakil was treated in Pakistan A squad and playing eleven by his than Captaan.




Who is Coach of Federal Areas ? I hope the coach overrules and gets Saud in playing eleven and slot him at number 4.

 

[Pak Warrior]

Should be interesting, I had actually been thinking and wanting to watch some domestic cricket. I hope I have enough free time to watch the matches. Does the domestic cricket have it's own YouTube channel so I can watch the highlights?

 

[Omer2002]

pcb does show on its youtube channels but i think as ptv sports are showing it they might not show

 

[Arsalan Pro]

View attachment 89917

Sindh brace for Pakistan Cup challenge under Umar Gul

• “I really like the Pakistan Cup, it is one of our leading tournaments,” says the former international fast bowler

• Sindh take on Balochistan in their opening match on 4 April; all 11 matches to be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, with the final on 12 April

• PCB to provide match reports, action photographs and post-match media conferences

Lahore, 30 March 2019:

Umar Gul-led Sindh are in high spirits and hope to re-write Pakistan Cup history when the five-team tournament gets underway at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, on 2 April.

Sindh have never made it to the final in the past three editions. They finished third in 2016 and 2017, and fourth in 2018.

Umar is a fan of Pakistan Cup and, as a leader, his aim is to make Sindh prosper and challenge the other teams with the target of turning the team’s fortunes around.

“I really like the Pakistan Cup, it is one of our leading 50-over competitions. I have good understanding with most of the players and as a captain, as a leader, I have full confidence in my team. It should be a really competitive tournament as all five teams are well-balanced and look strong,” said Umar, who played 47 Tests, 130 ODIs and 60 T20Is between 2003 and 2016.

Umar had a decent outing for Balochistan in last year’s Pakistan Cup, when he collected four wickets in as many games. He took third spot in the bowlers’ chart in 2017 with seven wickets, while he claimed six wickets in 2016.

Umar had faith in his team’s bowling strength, which also included promising young fast bowler Mohammad Ilyas and experienced Junaid Khan and Rahat Ali.

Left-arm spinner Nauman Ali, who represented Multan Sultans in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2019, and Ashiq Ali are the spin bowling options available to Umar.

Umar also backed his batting line-up to deliver the goods at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. “Our batting is very strong too with experienced batsmen like Umar Amin and Umar Siddiq, who can also keep wickets along with Mohammad Hassan.”

The Sindh squad also have hard-hitting middle-order batsman Asif Ali in their ranks. The right-hander has represented Pakistan in 11 ODIs and 19 T20Is, and is known for his six-hitting abilities, having already hit 12 in his short ODI career to date while scoring 200 runs at a strike rate of 130.71.

Pakistan Cup 2018 provided phenomenal success for the Faisalabad-born Asif as he accumulated 328 runs in four innings at 109.33 and a strike-rate of 128.12. The tally included two centuries as Asif took full toll on the bowlers in his own backyard, Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, finishing as the second-highest run-getter behind Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Khurram Manzoor.

Federal Areas will defend the title, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan are the other competing teams in the tournament. All 11 matches of the tournament will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, with the top two sides from the single-league competition progressing to the 12 April final.


Sindh - Umar Gul (captain); Ahsan Ali; Amir Yamin; Ashiq Ali; Asif Ali; Hammad Azam; Imran Rafiq; Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hassan (WK); Mohammad Ilyas; Nauman Ali; Rahat Ali; Sahibzada Farhan; Umar Amin and Umar Siddiq (WK)

Sindh fixtures (matches start 2pm):

Thu, 4 April – v Balochistan
Sat, 6 April – v Federal Areas
Tue, 9 April – v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Thu, 11 April – v Punjab
Fri, 12 April - FINAL

Junaid Khan wasn't included in the initial Squad that was posted, is he a late change due to WC selection for 5th Pacer.

 

[Abdullah719]

Junaid Khan wasn't included in the initial Squad that was posted, is he a late change due to WC selection for 5th Pacer.

He appears to have replaced Hasnain in the team? Hasnain was in the original Sindh squad but isn't listed in this one.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

That means 5 Players playing in Pakistan Cup have some chance of making it to the WC, if they perform extraordinary well.

Mohammad Rizwan
Asif Ali
Umar Akmal
Abid Ali
Junaid Khan

 

[Arsalan Pro]

He appears to have replaced Hasnain in the team? Hasnain was in the original Sindh squad but isn't listed in this one.

That is pretty harsh, why wouldn't you play a WC prospect in a Domestic Cup, that is right before the selection of squad?

 

[Abdullah719]

That is pretty harsh, why wouldn't you play a WC prospect in a Domestic Cup, that is right before the selection of squad?

Yeah. Hasnain definitely needs more exposure to domestic cricket too, he hadn't even played any List A games before the Pakistan series.

Presumably he may be out of contention, if he's not in any squad.

 

[Forum363]

Yeah. Hasnain definitely needs more exposure to domestic cricket too, he hadn't even played any List A games before the Pakistan series.

Presumably he may be out of contention, if he's not in any squad.

Well after Mickeys comments about him, I really hope he has been removed to keep him around the team (even if not in the squad) and put him on a regime similar to Shaheen.

Mickey has seen he is a gem who needs some polishing. Being misused on the dodgy Pakistan pitches by a clueless domestic captain could ruin his career before it starts. As for playing domestic and getting better - Shaheen hasn’t done that and has gone from strength to strength over the past 12 months.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Might as well scrap this tournament. Waste of time and money.

 

[Boi]

Expecting Saud to bat at 6/7 with Rizwan as his captain again.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Might as well scrap this tournament. Waste of time and money.

It will decide final places in the WC Squad, which is very important.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

It will decide final places in the WC Squad, which is very important.

Only those with enough connections will get selected.

 

[mak36]

Yeah. Hasnain definitely needs more exposure to domestic cricket too, he hadn't even played any List A games before the Pakistan series.

Presumably he may be out of contention, if he's not in any squad.

Or more optimistically he is in contention and Mickey doesn't want domestic coaches anywhere near him.

 

[MenInG]

Mughal Steel Pakistan Cup 2019 gets underway on Tuesday

• Tournament trophy unveiled at Pindi Cricket Stadium, which will stage all 11 matches from 2-12 April to be televised live by PTV Sports

• Matches will be day/night, while the event carries a total prize money of PKR3.5 million


Rawalpindi, 1 April 2019:

Defending champions Federal Areas will be joined by the four provincial sides in the Mughal Steel Pakistan Cup 2019 one-day tournament, which will be held at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, from 2-12 April.

The opening fixture will be between Punjab and Balochistan, which will be captained by Kamran Akmal and Asad Shafiq, respectively. Mohammad Rizwan-led Federal Areas will open their title defence on Wednesday, 3 April, against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which will be captained by Salman Butt.

Sindh is the other side in the tournament, which will be led by former Test fast bowler Umar Gul.

General Manager Domestic Cricket PCB Shafiq Ahmed said that the Mughal Steel Pakistan Cup was a great opportunity for players and fans of cricket in Rawalpindi, “The players who do well can come into consideration for a World Cup spot, I also request the people of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to turn up in big numbers and support a top-class tournament.”

Mughal Steel’s Mohammad Sajid unveiled the tournament logo along with Shafiq Ahmed.

Mohammad Nawaz, who represented Federal Areas in the trophy launch in place of Mohammad Rizwan (who will join the squad on April 3 after his return from UAE where he represented Pakistan in the ODI series against Australia), said that his team was equipped to complete a hat-trick of titles.

“Federal Areas have done very well in the tournament. This time around, we again have a formidable line-up led by our inform captain Mohammad Rizwan, I am confident that our team can win another title,” Nawaz said.

Balochistan captain Asad Shafiq expressed his excitement at the opportunity of leading the Balochistan side, saying his team was well-balanced and had a good combination for the 50-over format.

“We have a very good team, especially for the 50 overs format. The tournament is a big opportunity for all the players to prove their worth at a big stage.” Asad said.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Salman Butt spoke about the pride of leading his side in the tournament.

“It’s an honour to lead the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa team in what is a prestigious tournament. Pakistan Cup is a very competitive event and I am looking forward to gelling-in with my players. We are hoping to give our best and eyeing a win,” he said.

Punjab captain Kamran Akmal backed his squad’s potential of lifting the trophy.

“We have a well-balanced squad with capable batsmen and bowlers, we have a good combination for the tournament, and we really want to perform well for our Punjab team.” Kamran said.

Sindh captain Umar Gul was hopeful of creating history and leading his side to their maiden title.

“I really like the Pakistan Cup, it is one of our leading 50-over competitions. I have good understanding with most of the players and as a captain, as a leader, I have full confidence in my team.”

In the inaugural edition in 2016 Faisalabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had defeated Punjab by five wickets in the final. Ahmed Shehzad, who had represented Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, finished as the leading run-getter with 373 runs (one century and two half-centuries), while Sindh’s Mohammad Amir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Zohaib Khan were the join-leading wicket-takers with 11 wickets apiece.

Federal Areas lifted the silverware in the successive events, held in Rawalpindi in 2017 and Faisalabad in 2018.

In 2017, Mohammad Hafeez of Federal Area topped the batting chart with 362 runs (one century and two half-centuries), while Balochistan’s Aamer Yamin finished as the leading wicket-taker with nine wickets. In 2018, Khurram Manzoor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the most successful batsman with 393 runs (two centuries and a half-century), while Waqas Maqsood of Federal Areas topped the bowling list with 14 wickets.

The five sides for the 2019 tournament have been chosen by the national selection committee, which is headed by Inzamam-ul-Haq. Players who have been playing regular and consistent cricket for the Pakistan cricket team have not been included as part of the selectors’ policy of providing them sufficient rest prior to the tour of England, which will immediately be followed by the all-important ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

With the 15-player squad for the World Cup to be announced after the Pakistan Cup, the Mughal Steel Pakistan Cup provides a final opportunity to the cricketers to stake a claim for a place in the biggest cricket spectacle on the planet.

The tournament carries a total prize money of PRK3.5 million with the winner collecting PKR2 million. The losing finalist will get PKR1 million, while player of the league matches will get PKR25,000 each.

The best batsman, bowler, all-rounder and player of the final will receive PKR100,000 each.

The PCB, as part of its strategy to further give incentives in domestic cricket, has enhanced the match fee of each player from PKR33,000 to PKR 35,000.

Squads:

Balochistan - Asad Shafiq (captain); Ali Imran; Ammad Butt; Awais Zia; Bismillah Khan (WK); Fawad Alam; Ghulam Mudassar; Haris Rauf; Mohammad Irfan Sr; Qaiser Ashraf; Taj Wali; Umar Khan; Umer Akmal; Waqar Hussain (WK) and Zeeshan Ashraf

Federal Areas - Mohammad Rizwan (WK, captain); Ahmed Shehzad; Asad Afridi; Bilal Asif; Israrullah; Khurram Shahzad; Mohammad Nawaz; Nihal Mansoor; Ramiz Raja Jr; Sadaf Hussain; Sameen Gul; Saud Shakil; Sohaib Maqsood; Waqas Maqsood and Zia-ul-Haq

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - Salman Butt (captain); Abid Ali; Adil Amin; Adnan Akmal (WK); Faizan Riaz; Khushdil Shah; Mohammad Irfan; Mohammad Irfan Jr; Mohammad Saad; Sohail Khan; Musa Khan; Umaid Asif; Wahab Riaz; Zeeshan Malik and Zohaib Khan

Punjab squad - Kamran Akmal (WK, captain); Bilawal Bhatti; Ehsan Adil; Fahad Iqbal; Hussain Talat; Iftikhar Ahmed; Kashif Bhatti; Khurram Manzoor; Mohammad Asghar; Mohammad Sami; Ramiz Aziz; Saad Ali; Sami Aslam; Sohail Tanveer and Waleed Ahmed

Sindh - Umar Gul (captain); Ahsan Ali; Aamer Yamin; Ashiq Ali; Asif Ali; Hammad Azam; Imran Rafiq; Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hassan (WK); Mohammad Ilyas; Nauman Ali; Rahat Ali; Sahibzada Farhan; Umar Amin and Umar Siddiq (WK)

Fixtures (all matches to be played at Pindi Cricket Stadium and will start at 2pm):

Tue, 2 April – Punjab v Balochistan. Ghaffar Kazmi and Qaiser Waheed (on-field umpires), Faisal Afridi (third umpire), Imtiaz Iqbal (fourth umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)

Wed, 3 April - Federal Areas v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Faisal Afridi and Imtiaz Iqbal (on-field umpires), Ghaffar Kazmi (third umpire), Qaiser Waheed (fourth umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)

Thu, 4 April – Balochistan v Sindh. (Asif Yaqoob and Tahir Rasheed (on-field umpires), Waleed Yaqoob (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire); Aziz-ur-Rehman (match referee)

Fri, 5 April – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Punjab. Ahmed Shahab and Tahir Rasheed (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Waleed Yaqoob (fourth umpire); Aziz-ur-Rehman (match referee)

Sat, 6 April – Sindh v Federal Areas. Mohammad Asif and Waleed Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Ahmed Shahab (third umpire), Tahir Rasheed (fourth umpire); Mohammad Javed (match referee).

Sun, 7 April – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Balochistan. Zameer Haider and K. Mahmood Sr (on-field umpires), Mohammad Asif (third umpire), Ahmed Shahab (fourth umpire); Mohammad Javed (match referee)

Mon, 8 April - Punjab v Federal Areas. Mohammad Sajid and K. Mahmood Sr (on-field umpires), Zameer Haider (third umpire), Mohammad Asif (fourth umpire); Nadeem Arshad (match referee)

Tue, 9 April – Sindh v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Mohammad Sajid and Tariq Rasheed (on-field umpires), Rashid Riaz (third umpire), K. Mahmood Sr (fourth umpire); Nadeem Arshad (match referee)

Wed, 10 April - Federal Areas v Balochistan. Ahsan Raza and Tariq Rasheed (on-field umpires), Shozab Raza (third umpire), Mohammad Sajid (fourth umpire); Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)

Thu, 11 April – Punjab v Sindh. Shozab Raza and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires), Ahsan Raza (third umpire), Tariq Rasheed (fourth umpire); Mohammad Anees (match referee).

Fri, 12 April – FINAL. Ahsan Raza and Shozab Raza (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire); Mohammad Anees (match referee)

 

[superman]

Why isnt Umar Akmal in one of the teams?

 

[b.lesner]

Hasnain , Rumaan and Rizwan are withdrawn from original squad and Abdi ali , umar khan are still there , does that mean .................

Abid is out

 

[mak36]

Hasnain , Rumaan and Rizwan are withdrawn from original squad and Abdi ali , umar khan are still there , does that mean .................

Abid is out

Rizwan is captaining Federal.

 

[mak36]

Personally, Sindh look the most balanced to me (followed by KP).

One glaring issue with these squads is there is a distinct lack of middle order batsmen selected, and then we wonder why Pakistan isn’t developing more batsman. Disappointing when the likes of Danish Aziz, Saif Badar, Hasan Mohsin are available for selection.

Each squad has players to watch out for/assess if they have potential:

Haris Rauf, Umar Khan, Bilal Asif, Sameen Gul, Saud Shakeel, Abid Ali, Mohammad Irfan (legspinner), Musa Khan, Zeeshan Malik, Hussain Talat, Asghar, Saad Ali, Waleed Ahmed, Ashiq Ali, Ahsan Ali, Asif Ali, Imran Rafiq, Umar Siddiq

 

[Hasan123]

[MENTION=137997]Abdullah[/MENTION] 719 , so it seems as though Umar Akmal,Rizwan,and Abid Ali performances will decide if they play in the WC? I'm I right or wrong?

Also will you keep us updated with full scorecards? Cricinfo usually don't cover domestic tournaments well.

Thanks

 

[Shabraz]

Will it b televised?

 

[Ronaldo7]

Will it b televised?

I think it's going to be on PTV sports and maybe it'll be live streamed.

 

[b.lesner]

Rizwan is captaining Federal.

Nawaz has replaced him

 

[Abdullah719]

[MENTION=137997]Abdullah[/MENTION] 719 , so it seems as though Umar Akmal,Rizwan,and Abid Ali performances will decide if they play in the WC? I'm I right or wrong?

Also will you keep us updated with full scorecards? Cricinfo usually don't cover domestic tournaments well.

Thanks

Will it b televised?

Yes it'll be televised on PTV Sports so should be pretty easy to follow. Will see if I can do videos...

Umar Akmal I don't think is in contention. See the news about management wanting him to be removed from consideration... Rizwan and Abid don't have much to prove in List A cricket, they both have brilliant records over the past couple of years. Still, if they are in consideration then performances can make a difference.

 

[Abdullah719]

Nawaz has replaced him

No, Rizwan couldn't make the presser today but he will join his team on the 3rd and will be captain. Nawaz was the representative for Federal Areas in his absence.

Mohammad Nawaz, who represented Federal Areas in the trophy launch in place of Mohammad Rizwan (who will join the squad on April 3 after his return from UAE where he represented Pakistan in the ODI series against Australia), said that his team was equipped to complete a hat-trick of titles.

 

[b.lesner]

No, Rizwan couldn't make the presser today but he will join his team on the 3rd and will be captain. Nawaz was the representative for Federal Areas in his absence.

But Rumman and hasnain have been replaced

 

[Hasan123]

Yes it'll be televised on PTV Sports so should be pretty easy to follow. Will see if I can do videos...

Umar Akmal I don't think is in contention. See the news about management wanting him to be removed from consideration... Rizwan and Abid don't have much to prove in List A cricket, they both have brilliant records over the past couple of years. Still, if they are in consideration then performances can make a difference.

Anyone else in consideration other than those 2 who needs to perform in this tournament?

 

[mumtaz]

I think those in contention for WC squad are not playing this tournament.

 

[mak36]

Yes it'll be televised on PTV Sports so should be pretty easy to follow. Will see if I can do videos...

Rauf and Umer Khan both on show tomorrow.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

I miss the days when a team from Sindh actually had all the players from Sindh. Now they only have 3. **** you PCB.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

If Saud still bats at no 6 / 7 under Rizwan than i will be furious.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

How the hell do Ramiz Aziz and Ramiz Raja Jr always end up finding a team? They've always been failures every tournament I've watched.

 

[Sher Khan]

Guys these are six regions. So why can we not play like this for the FC tournament as well?

 

[CadPakFan]

Should be interesting, I had actually been thinking and wanting to watch some domestic cricket. I hope I have enough free time to watch the matches. Does the domestic cricket have it's own YouTube channel so I can watch the highlights?

Yes the PCB upload highlights on their own official channel called "Pakistan Cricket".

 

[Snowflake]

So, Butt gets to captain KPK. Pathetic

 

[Pak Warrior]

Yes the PCB upload highlights on their own official channel called "Pakistan Cricket".

Thank you bro, will search for it

 

[CadPakFan]

Thank you bro, will search for it

No problem, here's the link if you have trouble finding it https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiWrjBhlICf_L_RK5y6Vrxw

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Glaring Omissions :


1. Sadaf Hussain
2. Waqas Ahmed
3. Haseeb ur Rehman
4. Kamran Ghulam
5. Zafar Gohar
6. Rizwan Hussain
7. Saif Badar
8. Agha Salman
9. Nabi Gul
10. Raza Hassan



Players to watch out for :


1. Saud Shakeel
2. Ahsan Ali
3. Zeeshan Malik
4. Umer Khan
5. Mohammad Irfan leggie
6. Haris Rauf
7. Wahab Riaz
8. Zia ul Has
9. Asif Ali
10. Nihal Mamzoor
11. Ali Imran
12. Ashiq Ali
13. Ahmed Shehzad
14. Sohaib Maqsood
15. Umar Am in
16. Khushdil Shah
17. Aamer Yamin
18. Amad Butt
19. Taj Wali
20. Ehsan Adil
21. Sami Aslam

[MENTION=133760]Abdullah719[/MENTION] Today Sadaf Hussain is 12th man. Again late entry in the squad. Hope he plays next match.



Who has he replaced in the squad ? Rumman ?

 

[Abdullah719]

[MENTION=133760]Abdullah719[/MENTION] Today Sadaf Hussain is 12th man. Again late entry in the squad. Hope he plays next match.



Who has he replaced in the squad ? Rumman ?

Yes seems to have replaced Rumman.

 

[Titan24]

Why is Rumman replaced? Is it something to do with fitness?

Also pretty surprising that Hasnain isnt playing the tournament, he needs more cricket exposure.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">1.many players who couldnt make to departmental team or couldnt even find place in playing 11 in first class cricket are always seen playing most important televised events such as PSL or PAKISTAN CUP. Is this fair with many experienced PLAYERS who have been playing domestic</p>— Azeem Ghumman (@azeemghumman) <a href="https://twitter.com/azeemghumman/status/1113824066648137728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[mak36]

Balochistan have managed to find a very balanced XI, with all the players clicking at the same time. Pre tournament, wasn't sure how they were going to get their fifth bowler in but they seem to have covered that so far. TBH, probably have the best bowling attack in the competition (Haris, Irfan Snr, Umer Khan and Amad Butt). Taj Wali on bench!!

Sindh need to play Ilyas ahead of Rahat and KP need to play Musa ahead of Umaid. Sadly doesn't look like Zeeshan will get too many opportunities .

 

[Bilal7]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">1.many players who couldnt make to departmental team or couldnt even find place in playing 11 in first class cricket are always seen playing most important televised events such as PSL or PAKISTAN CUP. Is this fair with many experienced PLAYERS who have been playing domestic</p>— Azeem Ghumman (@azeemghumman) <a href="https://twitter.com/azeemghumman/status/1113824066648137728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Seeing how the PSL and Pakistan Cup are OD tournaments, it does make sense that a bunch of first class cricketers did not find a spot.

 

[MenInG]

Some excellent performances in the Pakistan Cup so far but how many of these will be recognized by the selectors?

 

[Sadozai]

The five sides have been chosen by the national selection committee, which is headed by Inzamam-ul-Haq. Players who have been playing regular and consistent cricket for the Pakistan cricket team have not been included as part of the selectors’ policy of providing them sufficient rest prior to the all-important ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

With the 15-player squad for the World Cup to be announced after the Pakistan Cup, the Pakistan Cup provides another opportunity to the cricketers to stake a claim for a place in the biggest cricket spectacle on the planet.

“We have always selected players on their performances in domestic cricket. If there are any extraordinary performances on positions which are up for grabs, then those top performers will definitely be considered,” chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq said.

“The purpose of announcing the World Cup squad after the Pakistan Cup is to give value and importance to this tournament in which all the top performers below the national team players are playing and they deserve to be given equal and fair opportunity before the national side is finalised and announced.”

AND then prior to conclusion of Pakistan Cup, they announced the names of 23 players for fitness tests
PCB is no more than a circus.