PCB's Champions T20 Cup (2024) [From 7 to 25 December]

[FearlessRoar]

Rawalpindi to host Champions T20 Cup from 7-25 December

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup will be held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 7 to 25 December. Five teams - ABL Stallions, Engro Dolphins, Lake City Panthers, Nurpur Lions, and UMT Markhors - will compete for the prestigious title.

This marks the second event in the Champions Cup series, following the resounding success of the 50-over tournament held in Faisalabad in September. In that event, the Lake City Panthers had triumphed over the UMT Markhors in a closely contested final. Cricket fans had turned out in droves at the Iqbal Stadium to witness the 14-match extravaganza, showcasing some of the country’s finest talent.

To build on this momentum, the PCB has strategically scheduled the Champions T20 Cup at the centrally located Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, featuring 22 matches over 19 days, including six double-headers and eight single-headers. Double-header matches will begin at 11am and 3.30pm, while single-header games are set for 12pm.

A new cut-throat format has been introduced to enhance the competition’s intensity. The table-topper after the double-league stage will advance directly to the final, while the second and third-placed teams will face off in a Qualifier on 23 December at 3.30pm. The final is scheduled for 25 December at 3.30pm.

The tournament schedule, designed in consultation with team mentors, takes into account both spectator engagement and weather considerations. It also allows fans to follow Pakistan’s men’s cricket team during their T20I and ODI series in South Africa from 10 to 22 December.

Each side is guaranteed eight matches, giving them ample opportunities to fine-tune their strategies and combinations.

The tournament format will also serve as a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills, offering selectors valuable insights into players who could be groomed for the national team. Furthermore, standout performers may attract the attention of the HBL Pakistan Super League franchises as they prepare for the 2025 season and beyond.

To ensure all domestic players have the opportunity to compete in the much-awaited Champions T20 Cup, the PCB has rescheduled the final round matches of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The last triangular stage fixture between Lahore Whites and Sialkot will now be played from 27-31 December, with the five-day final to follow from 2-6 January. Venues for these matches will be announced in due course.

The Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup will kick off on 7 December with an exciting double-header: ABL Stallions vs Lake City Panthers, followed by Nurpur Lions vs UMT Markhors. First round matches will take place from 7 to 13 December, while the second round will run from 15 to 21 December.

To ensure optimal preparation, the PCB will support the five team mentors in assembling their squads in Rawalpindi from 28 November. Practice sessions will be held at the Diamond Cricket Ground, KRL Stadium, and National Ground, with warm-up matches also scheduled during this period.

Schedule of matches (all matches will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium):

Sat, 7 Dec: ABL Stallions v Lake City Panthers (11am); Nurpur Lions v UMT Markhors (3.30pm)
Sun 8 Dec: Lake City Panthers v Engro Dolphins (12pm)
Mon, 9 Dec: ABL Stallions v Nurpur Lions (12pm)
Tues, 10 Dec: Engro Dolphins v UMT Markhors (12pm)
Wed, 11 Dec: Nurpur Lions v Lake City Panthers (12pm)
Thurs, 12 Dec: ABL Stallions v UMT Markhors (11am); Engro Dolphins v Nurpur Lions (3.30pm)
Fri, 13 Dec: Lake City Panthers v UMT Markhors (11am); ABL Stallions v Engro Dolphins (3.30pm)
Sun, 15 Dec: ABL Stallions v Lake City Panthers (11am); Nurpur Lions v UMT Markhors (3.30pm)
Mon, 16 Dec: Lake City Panthers v Engro Dolphins (12pm)
Tues, 17 Dec: ABL Stallions v Nurpur Lions (12pm)
Wed, 18 Dec: Engro Dolphins v UMT Markhors (12pm)
Thurs, 19 Dec: Nurpur Lions v Lake City Panthers (12pm)
Fri, 20 Dec: ABL Stallions v UMT Markhors (11am); Engro Dolphins v Nurpur Lions (3.30pm)
Sat, 21 Dec: Lake City Panthers v UMT Markhors (11am); ABL Stallions v Engro Dolphins (3.30pm)
Mon, 23 Dec: Qualifier (Second ranked side v third ranked side) (3.30pm)
Wed, 25 Dec: FINAL (3.30pm)

 

[Kianig89]

Hopefully Iftikhar Ahmed, Khusdil Shah, AzamKhan, Asif Ali all will be playing

 

[BouncerGuy]

Mentors announce provisional squads for Champions T20 Cup

• Teams will be confirmed after the national selectors have named Pakistan squads for the South Africa series

Lahore, 23 November 2024:

The five mentors have announced their provisional squads for the Champions T20 Cup, scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi from 7 to 25 December.

Due to the pending announcement of the Pakistan men’s white-ball and red-ball squads for the South Africa tour, the mentors have excluded centrally contracted players and other white-ball cricketers currently in Zimbabwe for the ODI and T20I series.

Once the national selection committee finalises the squads for the South Africa tour and player availability becomes clear, the mentors will reassess and revise their provisional squads before submitting the final lists to the Pakistan Cricket Board.

PROVISIONAL SQUADS (excluding PCB central players and those presently in Zimbabwe. Mentors can also pick players from outside the provisional list):

ABL Stallions (mentor Shoaib Malik): Abdul Faseeh, Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Azam Khan, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Amir Khan, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Mohsin, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Nasir Nawaz, Shoaib Malik, Tahir Hussain, Ubaid Shah, Yasir Khan and Zaman Khan

Engro Dolphins (mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed): Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Ihsanullah, Khubaib Khalil, Kashif Ali, Mirza Tahir Baig, Muhammad Akhlaq, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Salman Afridi, Salman Irshad, Shayan Sheikh and Umar Amin

Lake City Panthers (mentor Saqlain Mushtaq): Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Ali Raza, Amad Butt, Danish Aziz, Haider Ali, Hasan Ali, Irfanullah Shah, Mohammad Umar, Mohammad Zeeshan, Mubasir Khan, Rehan Afridi, Rizwan Mehmood, Saad Baig, Sharjeel Khan, Umar Siddiq and Usama Mir

Nurpur Lions (mentor Waqar Younis): Aamer Yamin, Arif Yaqoob, Hasan Nawaz, Hunain Shah, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Basit, Mohammad Faiq, Mohammad Junaid, Mohammad Siraj, Mohammad Taha, Musa Khan, Rohail Nazir, Sajjad Ali Hashmi and Shahab Khan

UMT Markhors (mentor Misbah-ul-Haq): Abdul Samad, Akif Javed, Ali Shafique, Ali Shan, Ali Usman, Bilawal Bhatti, Bismillah Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Faizan, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Mohammad Sarwar Afridi, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Muhammad Shehzad, Niaz Khan, Nisar Ahmed, Saad Masood and Zahid Mehmood

 

[BouncerGuy]

Hopefully Iftikhar Ahmed, Khusdil Shah, AzamKhan, Asif Ali all will be playing

All of them are here. Let's see what they have got

 

[m.shah]

Any young player to look out for?

 

[BouncerGuy]

Any young player to look out for?

Iftikhar Ahmed

 

[m.shah]

Iftikhar Ahmed

I am talking about players of his Grandson's age.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Iftikhar Ahmed

I am talking about players of his Grandson's age.

Shoaib Malik

 

[BouncerGuy]

Where is sirajuddin??? That guy with Mark Wood like action. He was pretty impressive in ODI champions cup

 

[Kianig89]

What's the prize money for this Cup.

Is it in USD , PKR or takka

 

[Nasty Naz]

Amusing to see dates/squads all being announced early for T20's but QeA and announced like a couple of days before it began. Just shows where the priorities are at.

 

[mominsaigol]

Why aren't Babar and rizwan playing this cup exactly?

 

[hassan918]

Why aren't Babar and rizwan playing this cup exactly?

They will be busy in Test series against South Africa.

 

[mominsaigol]

They will be busy in Test series against South Africa.

Fair enough but 2nd question. What's the point of hosting a t20 cup when ct is around the corner?

Unless it's some sort of weird psl draft.

 

[Rana]

Big Bos Sharjeel is back!

 

[Bewal Express]

Looking at the squads there are few players that will become international quality in the coming years. Don't see any batsman that will challenge the fixtures in the National team. Looking to see how Ali Raza and Zeeshan bowl and see how Shazad goes as a batsman

 

[mominsaigol]

Big Bos Sharjeel is back!

Why are the teams always unbalanced? Misbah always has the best team yet these guys always manage to botch it somehow.

Anyway I'm excited for these guys

Sharjeel, Ihsanullah, Saad baig, Ali raza. Really looking forward to watching these guys.

Fakhar too but weird to see him here, should be in the main team lol.

 

[LordJames]

Looking forward to Ihsanullah and see how his recovery has progressed, let's see if he still has zip in his bowling or Pakistan has lost him forever!

 

[moghul]

Hopefully Iftikhar Ahmed, Khusdil Shah, AzamKhan, Asif Ali all will be playing

I hope none of them will be playing , had enough of these useless deadwoods. Lets give chance to new players.

 

[moghul]

Big Bos Sharjeel is back!

Older and heavier .

 

[BouncerGuy]

Older and heavier .

Let's see what he has got.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Match officials for Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup announced

Rawalpindi, 2 December 2024:

The Pakistan Cricket Board has today announced a panel of match officials for the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup, which is set to run from 7 to 25 December at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. A total of 13 umpires and six match referees will officiate the 22 matches of the tournament.

PCB Elite Panel Umpires Imran Jawed, Zulfiqar Jan (on-field umpires), Qaisar Waheed (third umpire) and Rana Muhammad Arshad (fourth umpire) will officiate the opening encounter between Nurpur Lions and UMT Markhors on 7 December. Nadeem Arshad of the PCB Elite Panel of Match Referees will lead the playing control team.

ICC International Panel of Umpires members Asif Yaqoob, Rashid Riaz Waqar (on-field umpires) and Faisal Khan Aafreedi (third umpire) will be the match officials for the 25 December final of the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup. Zulfiqar Jan will be the fourth umpire, while Ali Naqvi of the International Panel of ICC Match Referees will be the playing control team head.

Apart from Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Imran Jawed, Rana Muhammad Arshad, Rashid Riaz Waqar, Qaiser Waheed and Zulfiqar Jan, the umpiring duties will be shared among Ahmed Shahab, Imranullah Aslam, Imtiaz Iqbal, Kashif Sohail, Khalid Mehmood Sr and Muhammad Sajid.

Among the six match referees, the two International Panel of ICC Match Referees members, Ali Naqvi and Muhammad Javed Malik will be joined by Iftikhar Ahmed, Muhammad Iqbal Sheikh, Nadeem Arshad and Sohail Idrees of the PCB Elite Panel of Match Referees.

Umpire and match referee appointments (all matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi; Single header matches to start at 12pm. Double header matches to begin at 11am and 3.30pm, respectively):

7 Dec – Nurpur Lions v UMT Markhors. Imran Jawed and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field umpires); Qaiser Waheed (third umpire), Rana Muhammad Arshad (fourth umpire); Nadeem Arshad (match referee)

7 Dec – ABL Stallions v Lake City Panthers. Ahmed Shahab and Khalid Mehmmod Sr (on-field umpires), Imran Jawed (third umpire), Zulfiqar Jan (fourth umpire); Sohail Idrees (match referee)

8 Dec – Lake City Panthers v Engro Dolphins. Zulfiqar Jan and Ahmed Shahab (on-field umpires); Imran Jawed (third umpire), Khalid Mehmood Sr (fourth umpire); Sohail Idrees (match referee)

9 Dec – ABL Stallions v Nurpur Lions. Zulfiqar Jan and Khalid Mehmood Sr (on-field umpires); Qaiser Waheed (third umpire), Rana Muhammad Arshad (fourth umpire); Nadeem Arshad (match referee)

10 Dec - Engro Dolphins v UMT Markhors. Imran Jawed and Rana Muhammad Arshad (on-field umpires); Qaiser Waheed (third umpire), Khalid Mehmood Sr (fourth umpire); Nadeem Arshad (match referee)

11 Dec - Nurpur Lions v Lake City Panthers. Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Zulfiqar Jan ((on-field umpires); Imran Jawed (third umpire), Khalid Mehmood Sr (fourth umpire); Nadeem Arshad (match referee)

12 Dec – ABL Stallions v UMT Markhors. Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Khalid Mehmood Sr (on-field umpires); Imran Jawed (third umpire), Qaiser Waheed (fourth umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)

12 Dec – Engro Dolphins v Nurpur Lions. Ahmed Shahab and Rana Muhammad Arshad (on-field umpires); Imtiaz Iqbal (third umpire), Imran Jawed (fourth umpire); Muhammad Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)

13 Dec – ABL Stallions v Engro Dolphins. Ahmed Shahab and Khalid Mehmood Sr (on-field umpires); Imtiaz Iqbal (third umpire), Rana Muhammad Arshad (fourth umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)

13 Dec – Lake City Panthers v UMT Markhors. Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Muhammad Sajid (on-field umpires); Qaiser Waheed (third umpire), Imtiaz Iqbal (fourth umpire); Muhammad Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)

15 Dec – ABL Stallions v Lake City Panthers. Muhammad Sajid and Ahmed Shahab (on-field umpires); Imtiaz Iqbal (third umpire), Qaiser Waheed (fourth umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)

15 Dec - Nurpur Lions v UMT Markhors. Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Rana Muhammad Arshad (on-field umpires); Qaiser Waheed (third umpire), Imranullah Aslam (fourth umpire); Muhammad Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)

16 Dec – Lake City Panthers v Engro Dolphins. Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Ahmed Shahab (on-field umpires); Imtiaz Iqbal (third umpire), Imranullah Aslam (fourth umpire); Muhammad Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)

17 Dec – ABL Stallions v Nurpur Lions. Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Imranullah Aslam (on-field umpires); Imtiaz Iqbal (third umpire), Muhammad Sajid (fourth umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)

18 Dec – Engro Dolphins v UMT Markhors. Muhammad Sajid and Ahmed Shahab (on-field umpires); Kashif Sohail (third umpire), Imranullah Aslam (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)

19 Dec – Nurpur Lions v Lake City Panthers. Asif Yaqoob and Imranullah Aslam (on-field umpires); Kashif Sohail (third umpire), Muhammad Sajid (fourth umpire); Muhammad Javed Malik (match referee)

20 Dec – ABL Stallions v UMT Markhors. Asif Yaqoob and Rana Muhammad Arshad (on-field umpires); Kashif Sohail (third umpire), Zulfiqar Jan (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)

20 Dec – Engro Dolphins v Nurpur Lions. Muhammad Sajid and Imranullah Aslam (on-field umpires); Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Kashif Sohail (fourth umpire); Muhammad Javed Malik (match referee)

21 Dec – Lake City Panthers v UMT Markhors. Asif Yaqoob and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field umpires); Kashif Sohail (third umpire), Muhammad Sajid (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)

21 Dec – ABL Stallions v Engro Dolphins. Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Imranullah Aslam (on-field umpires); Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Kashif Sohail (fourth umpire); Muhammad Javed Malik (match referee)

23 Dec – Qualifier. Asif Yaqoob and Faisal Khan Aafreedi (on-field umpires); Rashid Riaz Waqar (third umpire), Zulfiqar Jan (fourth umpire); Muhammad Javed Malik (match referee)

25 Dec – Final. Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz Waqar (on-field umpires); Faisal Khan Aafreedi (third umpire), Zulfiqar Jan (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Pointless tournament. PSL already gives you the best talent available for the format.

List A Champions Cup actually made sense.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Engro Dolphins seek T20 culture cultivation

•“Dolphins are intelligent and self-aware besides being curious and fast learners in water,” says mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed

•Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup in Rawalpindi from 7-25 December will be broadcast live; ball by ball coverage will be available on the PCB corporate website; PCB will provide bilingual match reports as well as action images

Rawalpindi, 3 December 2024:

For former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup is an ideal opportunity to ingrain the style of Twenty20 cricket prevalent at the international level in his Engro Dolphin squad. The Engro Dolphins are one of five sides competing in the event, which will commence at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 7 December.

The event is a continuation of Pakistan Cricket Board’s plans to burnish the local talent and aimed at reducing the gap between domestic and international standards. It follows the widely covered and much appreciated Champions One-Day Cup, held in Faisalabad in September.

Besides Dolphins, Allied Bank Stallions, Lake City Panthers, Nurpur Lions and UMT Markhors will feature in the event to be played on a double-league basis and will culminate on 25 December.

Sarfaraz, mentor for the Engro Dolphins, knows the intricacies of the rapid-fire format, having led Pakistan in 37 T20Is with 29 wins at an impressive win ratio of 78.37 per cent. He hopes to transfer his knowledge in his charges.

“The PCB has been providing ideal opportunities to young players of the country through these events. I hope my players will play T20 cricket in the same manner as it is played at the international level; robust and fearless,” said Sarfaraz.

For Sarfaraz, results are a byproduct of a process which should guarantee development of the players.

“You may say that results did not come as we would have liked in the Champions One-Day Cup,” admitted Sarfaraz, whose team finished last. “But I am satisfied that some of my players, like Sufyan Moqim and Qasim Akram progressed to a good distance and are serving various Pakistan sides.

“Dolphins are intelligent and self-aware besides being curious and fast learners in water, so I want my players to live up to the qualities of that species and use this opportunity - on a wonderful ground like the Rawalpindi Stadium - and learn by leaps and bounds.”

For the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup, the Engro Dolphins squad is a blend of youth and experience. The star attraction will be fast bowler Ihsanullah who ignited the HBL Pakistan Super League 2023 with 22 wickets that led to Multan Sultan finishing runners-up and him being declared player of the series. Sarfaraz hopes Ihsanullah will play at some stage, having been sidelined for nearly two years with an elbow injury.

“The medical panel is monitoring his progress. He has shown his ability with the ball in the HBL PSL and we all want him to stage a bumper comeback,” Sarfaraz said.

Saud Shakeel is expected to anchor a stable batting line-up with power hitters like Pakistan internationals Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Umar Amin and newcomer Mirza Tahir Baig. Wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Akhlaq will also bolster the slog overs batting.

“I want my batters to adopt real power-hitting in the true sense of the word, proper hitting and not hanky panky slogging,” said the team mentor.

Slinger Salman Irshad spearheads the bowling with Faheem Ashraf, fast-rising domestic cricket performer Kashif Ali, young Khubaib Khalil and Shayan Sheikh in supplement act.

“We are preparing well in the lead up to the event, so expect us to spring some surprises in the tournament.”

Engro Dolphins provisional squad is available on PCB corporate website. The final squad and player support personnel list will be announced in due course.

Schedule of Engro Dolphins matches (all matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium):

8 Dec – vs Lake City Panthers (12 noon)
10 Dec – vs UMT Markhors (12 noon)
12 Dec – vs Nurpur Lions (3.30pm)
13 Dec – vs ABL Stallions (11am)
16 Dec – vs Lake City Panthers (12 noon)
18 Dec – vs UMT Markhors (12 noon)
20 Dec – vs Nurpur Lions (3.30pm)
21 Dec – vs ABL Stallions (3.30pm)

 

[BouncerGuy]

ABL Stallions and UMT Markhors look forward to Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup

The tag of Stallions is a trademark for success in the history of T20 cricket in Pakistan. Sialkot Stallions hold the record for eight titles (six National T20 Cup and two Super Eight T20 Cup titles) and for the most consecutive wins in domestic T20 cricket all over the world with 25.

The omnipresent character in these wins was former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik who led his hometown team with admirable tenacity and recognition. One of the most fit players at the international circuit in his heyday, Malik was one of the most successful cricketers in the shorter format, scoring 13,360 runs which is second behind West Indies’ Chris Gayle in the world.

Malik’s remarkable experience and acuity will be at hand for the youngsters as he mentors the side in the five-team Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup which begins at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 7 December. Besides ABL Stallions, Engro Dolphins, Lake City Panthers, Nurpur Lions and UMT Markhors will feature in the event. The final is scheduled for 25 December.

Malik asserts the prime task for him is to increase game awareness and the ability to learn steadily.

“My target as a mentor is to make these players mature enough to deal with the crunch situations and that is one of the keys to T20 cricket. I want to take these players to a stage where they are ready to play as per the situation. The batters should also know about the demands of the shorter format.

“The goal is to play like T20 cricket is played at the world level, modern style and with momentum. We have players who are future prospects and I am sure they will be hungry to show their skills at this level. We have a very good combination for the shorter format, so I am hopeful of some good showings.

“We have good stroke players in the squad. They too need to play their strokes as per the situation. If they see a weak bowler struggling for momentum they should attack him.

“Game awareness is also important in when to hit and when not to hit.”

ABL Stallions have young players who have been excelling at the domestic level recently.

Left-handed opener Maaz Sadaqat is fresh from scoring 557 runs in five Quaid-e-Azam trophy matches - second behind Imam-ul-Haq's 635. But this will be 19-year-old's debut in T20 cricket. Also oozing with talent is pacer Ubaid Shah, younger brother of Pakistan international Naseem Shah. The 18-year-old took eight for 79 in a Quaid Trophy match last month. Mehran Mumtaz and Ahmed Safi Abdullah are fast-rising spinning all-rounders, while Abdul Faseeh is a solid top-order batsman who along with Yasir Khan can give impetus to batting.

Besides Ubaid, Mohammad Amir Khan has made a name for himself as a fast bowler. Pakistan international Zaman Khan will spearhead the attack with Hussain Talat also turning his arm over as an effective medium pacer besides stabilising the batting.

The two experienced squad members are Mohammad Haris and middle-order power hitter Azam Khan. A good showing in the Champions Cup can help the two aggressive batters a chance to regain their places in the Pakistan squad.

Schedule of ABL Stallions matches (all matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium):

7 Dec – vs Lake City Panthers (3.30pm)

9 Dec – vs Nurpur Lions (12 noon)

12 Dec – vs UMT Markhors (11am)

13 Dec – vs Engro Dolphins (11am)

15 Dec – vs Lake City Panthers (11am)

17 Dec – vs Nurpur Lions (12 noon)

20 Dec – vs UMT Markhors (11am)

21 Dec – vs Engro Dolphins (3.30pm)

Freedom to play key for UMT Markhors:

Just like the identity of Markhors - Pakistan's national animal - mentor Misbah-ul-Haq wants a real identity for his team and that is free spirits. Pakistan’s most successful Test captain wants his charges to play with freedom - the much needed style to play the fiery format of the game.

“I think we need to match the world in terms of style of play in the T20 format.

“The plan for the PCB is that through mentors we develop players in a way that they are at ease when they qualify to play for Pakistan. We want to teach them how to give an impactful and winning performance. Whenever they enter the field, they have that aim to win.

“Play with freedom is the message. Whether they get bowled out for 90 or 100 but play with intent and that's how they become aggressive, so the focus is always on the positive options.

“If we are able to produce three to four players then we feel that the job is done.”

The most eye-catching talent is in the form of allrounder Abdul Samad, a player Misbah reckons has the ingredients to play for Pakistan. Hard-hitting batters Khawaja Mohammad Nafay and Mohammad Faizan will also be in focus with their aggressive style.

Allrounder Muhammad Shahzad - a product of Pakistan U19 - is also a player to watch out for in this event while left-arm pacers Akif Javed and Mohammad Imran Jnr can also stand out with their ability to not only take wickets but also be economical. Ali Shafique will also be wanting to progress after showing initial promise. Zahid Mehmood and Mohammad Rameez Jnr will be key spinners for the team.

Schedule of UMT Markhors matches (all matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium):

7 Dec – vs Nurpur Lions (11am)

10 Dec – vs Engro Dolphins (12 noon)

12 Dec – vs ABL Stallions (11 am)

13 Dec – vs Lake City Panthers (3.30 pm)

15 Dec – Nurpur Lions (3.30 pm)

18 Dec – vs Engro Dolphins (12 noon)

20 Dec – vs ABL Stallions (11 am)

21 Dec – vs Lake City Panthers (11 am)

 

[BouncerGuy]

Lake City Panthers, Nurpur Lions seek development and title

Rawalpindi, 5 December 2024:

Lake City Panthers and Nurpur Lions want to do their best in the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup which commences from 7 December at the iconic Rawalpindi Cricket stadium. Both the teams not only want to achieve the ultimate goal of title triumph, but also want to develop players for the higher grades.

"We know the formats are different and we are coming from 50-over format to this shorter one, but I am sure that given the defined roles my players will play an exciting brand of cricket and if we play to our potential best results will come," said Saqlain Mushtaq, who also coached Pakistan to semi-final and runners-up finish in the 2021 and 2022 ICC T20 World Cups, respectively.

Shadab Khan leads a strong batting line-up with dashing Sharjeel Khan at the top of the order, but subject to his fitness. Abdul Wahid Bangalzai and Umar Siddiq are two aggressive batters who can give a rollicking start to Lake City Panthers.

Pakistan stars Haider Ali, Danish Aziz, Shadab and spin-bowling all-rounder Mubasir Khan can give impetus to batting in the slog overs. Sajid Khan, fresh from his series winning performance against England in the Test series and 27 wickets in Quaid-e-Azam trophy, is also eager to make his name in white-ball cricket.

The pace bowling looks slightly inexperienced. But Ahmed Bashir, Mohammad Ibtisam and Irfanullah Shah can overcome that through their enormous talent.

Schedule of Lake City Panthers matches (All matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium)

7 Dec – vs ABL Stallions (3.30pm)
8 Dec – vs Engro Dolphins (12 noon)
11 Dec – vs Nurpur Lions (12 noon)
13 Dec – UMT Markhors (3.30pm)
15 Dec – ABL Stallions (11am)
16 Dec – Engro Dolphins (12 noon)
19 Dec – Nurpur Lions (12 noon)
21 Dec – vs UMT Markhors (11am)

Nurpur Lions have several ambitions to fulfill from the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup. Mentor Waqar Younis admits a lot of work needed to be done to make Pakistan's national teams of all three formats more competitive and in turn get the much-needed fillip. "There is no doubt that Pakistan lags behind when it comes to match the T20 style of play which other teams exhibit," said Waqar.

"When it comes to hitting in the slog overs by middle and lower order batters we need huge improvement. The top order is doing well but I am sure we mentors will target this tournament to improve that and this problem will be solved.

"Tournaments like Champions Cup can help produce players for Pakistan as we all endeavour to give a big fillip to our cricket."

Some of the young fast bowlers like Musa Khan, fresh from being the highest wicket-taker in the Quaid-e-Azam trophy with 38 in five matches, Shahid Aziz and Mohammad Salman will be part of the Lions pace battery. Hunain Shah, brother of Pakistan international Naseem Shah, is also in the ranks to shine after missing the Champions One-Day Cup due to injury. These pacers cannot wish for a more illustrious teacher than Waqar.

The batting will be bolstered by hard hitting Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Taha, sedate customer in Imam-ul-Haq and the wily hitters in Mohammad Basit, Khushdil Shah, Rohail Nazir and Mohammad Faiq.

All-rounder Aamer Yamin will lend experience and guile while Arif Yaqoob will further make his mark in the shortest format of the game after being touted for his wicket taking ability in the National T20 Cup last year and the HBL Pakistan Super League earlier this year.

Schedule of Nurpur Lions matches (All matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium)

7 Dec – vs UMT Markhors (11am)
9 Dec – vs ABL Stallions (12 noon)
11 Dec – Lake City Panthers (12 noon)
12 Dec – Engro Dolphins (3.30pm)
15 Dec – UMT Markhors (3.30pm)
17 Dec – ABL Stallions (12 noon)
19 Dec – Lake City Panthers (12 noon)
20 Dec – Engro Dolphins (3.30pm)

 

[BouncerGuy]

Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup begins tomorrow with a double-header

Rawalpindi, 6 December 2024:

The Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup, scheduled from December 7 to 25 at Rawalpindi Stadium, is set to not only crown a champion among five competitive teams but also serve as a critical platform for Pakistan's preparations for the upcoming white-ball mega-events in 2025 and 2026, including the ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC T20 World Cup.

The tournament, which features 22 matches over 19 days, including six double-headers and eight single-headers, will begin with a double-header as Imam-ul-Haq-led Nurpur Lions will take on Iftikhar Ahmed’s UMT Markhors in the first match at 11am tomorrow while in the second match Mohammad Haris’ Allied Bank Stallions will take on Shadab Khan-led Lake City Panthers at 3.30pm.

Double-header matches will begin at 11am and 3.30pm, while single-header games are set for 12pm.

Five formidable teams— ABL Stallions, Engro Dolphins, Lake City Panthers, Nurpur Lions and UMT Markhors—will compete in a double-league format, with each team playing the others twice. The top team from the league stage will advance to the 25 December final while the second and third placed teams will compete in a Qualifier, ensuring an intense battle for supremacy.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strategically planned the Champions Cup events to provide players with high-pressure opportunities that bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket. The first event of the Champions Cup series, played in List-A format, was held successfully in Faisalabad in September, throwing some good talent.

Recognising the challenges faced by emerging talent transitioning to the international stage, the initiative aims to enhance their adaptability and readiness for global competition. The first step towards the next T20I mega event has already been taken through the induction of some new players in the T20I series in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Adding to the tournament’s appeal is the mentorship of cricketing legends Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis. Their guidance is expected to hone players' skills and instill the fearless, high-impact style of cricket that has become essential in the modern T20 game.

Tournament director Wahab Riaz is confident the event will be a launchpad for young players. "PCB has been working really hard to improve and to give a lot of exposure to young players and I think with this tournament players will learn a lot by sharing the dressing room with those who have played international cricket and under the guidance of mentors the learning will be precious.

“From here on, once they enter the international arena they don't have to worry about the pressure and would be equipped to meet the demands," said Wahab.

Continuing from the trend in the Champions One-Day Cup and in order to give the players quality exposure, the PCB has also paired each of the five teams with a major media house, ARY News-Allied Bank Stallions, Geo News-Engro Dolphins, Hum News-UMT Markhors, Samaa News-Nurpur Lions and Dunya News-Lake City Panthers, which will also boost the tournament’s reach to the fans.

The players and the teams will benefit from the presence of these media houses on board as they will bring the fans closer to the action and the day to day happenings of the tournament.

Packed with abundant talent and backed by seasoned mentors, the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup promises to deliver thrilling contests while laying a strong foundation for Pakistan's next generation of cricket stars.

The fans in Rawalpindi are known for filling the Stadium in various colours and always enjoy the game to the maximum. Ram-slam style of cricket will be warming them in the cool winter weather. Top hitters like Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Azam Khan, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Abdul Samad and Muhammad Akhlaq et. al will be main attraction for the fans. The likes of Zaman Khan, Ubaid Shah, Musa Khan will not only stop the flow of runs but are also expected to send the stumps cartwheeling.

Squads:

ABL Stallions: Mohammad Haris (captain, wicket-keeper), Azam Khan (subject to fitness), Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Amir Khan, Mohammad Mohsin, Shamyl Hussain, Shoaib Malik, Tahir Hussain, Taimur Khan, Ubaid Shah, Usman Tariq (subject to fitness), Yasir Khan and Zaman Khan

Reserves: Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Jahandad Khan (to join after 14 Dec), Nasir Nawaz and Shoaib Akhtar Jnr

Engro Dolphins: Faheem Ashraf (captain), Asif Ali, Kashif Ali, Mirza Tahir Baig, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Mohammad Suleman, Muhammad Akhlaq, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Irshad, Sameen Gul, Saqib Khan, Shayan Sheikh and Umar Amin

Reserves: Ihsanullah, Salman Khan Afridi, Waqar Ahmed

Lake City Panthers: Shadab Khan (captain), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Ahmed Bashir, Amad Butt, Danish Aziz, Haider Ali, Irfanullah Shah, Mohammad Ibtisam, Mohammad Umar (subject to fitness), Mubasir Khan, Rehan Afridi, Rizwan Mehmood, Sajid Khan, Sharjeel Khan (subject to fitness), Umar Siddiq (wicket-keeper) and Usama Mir

Reserves: Ali Asfand, Aqib Liaqat, Azan Awais, Mohammad Zeeshan and Yousuf Babar (stand-by for Sharjeel Khan)

Nurpur Lions: Imam-ul-Haq (captain), Aamer Yamin, Arif Yaqoob, Faisal Akram, Hasan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Junaid, Mohammad Salman, Mohammad Taha, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Musa Khan, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Shahab Khan, Shahid Aziz, Sharoon Siraj and Zeeshan Malik

Reserves: Afaq Afridi, Mohammad Awais Anwar, Mohammad Faiq and Sajjad Ali Hashmi

UMT Markhors: Iftikhar Ahmed (captain), Abdul Samad, Akif Javed, Bilawal Bhatti, Bismillah Khan (wicket-keeper), Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Faizan, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Sarwar Afridi, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Muhammad Shehzad, Nisar Ahmed, Saad Masood and Zahid Mehmood

Reserves: Ali Usman, Ali Shafique, Ali Shan and Niaz Khan

 

[khyberlion]

No Faisal Akram? No Arafat Minhas?

 

[Omer2002]

I can see Faisal Akram but no Minhas.

Also would love to see that 15 yr old kid Huzaifa i guess t20 will destroy him but he better no get lost in the system

 

[khyberlion]

I can see Faisal Akram but no Minhas.

Also would love to see that 15 yr old kid Huzaifa i guess t20 will destroy him but he better no get lost in the system

Haseebullah not there too. Yes I can see faisal akram. very strange not to see those 2. Good enough to be selected for Pakistan but not domestics?

 

[Omer2002]

haseebullah is the reserve for South Africa tour so he isnt there..i dont think minhas is

 

[Nasty Naz]

Jokes this tournament is starting while QeA is still ongoing. PCB signalling please ignore that irrelevant tournament and focus on the all important T20 tournament.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

I see all sorts of expired players participating in this tournament. How can the PCB expect to get talent from this tournament when they don’t give chances to any youngsters?

 

[khyberlion]

Does anyone know why Arafat Minhas is not playing this tournament?

 

[Omer2002]

Anybody know how to watch this tournament in the UK. Originally wss suppose to be on PCB youtube channel now its on all sports channels so i doubt it will be on youtube but for.overseas surely

 

[shah_1]

Does anyone know why Arafat Minhas is not playing this tournament?

Pakistan Cricket is a joke

 

[BouncerGuy]

Does anyone know why Arafat Minhas is not playing this tournament?

Not sure who did the drafting thing because ignoring player like arfat minhas who played just few days ago against Zimbabwe in a t20I game but now he is dropped form the side but he is not selected for this t20 event...


Crazy... Maybe they ignored all those players who were busy with national team whether they played or not.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup 2024

Nurpur Lions vs UMT Markhors

Toss: UMT Markhors win the toss and decide to field first at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium , Rawalpindi.

 

[m.shah]

Questions should be asked to management about Arafat Minhas .
Why isn't he in any squad?
Pakistan cricket is full of corruption

 

[Nasty Naz]

Why don't these tournaments have speed guns? Isn't it important for coaches/selectors to know how fast or slow someone is bowling. It helps you keep track of their pace over the years and ensuring it's not dropping. Or if you do see a drop, work with the bowler and figure out why. I feel like these are basic thing... but alas.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Fakhar takes an incredible catch for the first wicket of the tournament. Feels like if has a big tournament and puts up runs, he'll be back on the team.

 

[Omer2002]

Fakhar takes an incredible catch for the first wicket of the tournament. Feels like if has a big tournament and puts up runs, he'll be back on the team.

Markhors will be the team to beat i think

 

[RidiculousMan]

Fakhar takes an incredible catch for the first wicket of the tournament. Feels like if has a big tournament and puts up runs, he'll be back on the team.

This clears the news some people were spreading that Fakhar was not picked for SA tour because he wanted to fix his knee first

 

[Nasty Naz]

Hassan Nawaz looking good so far. He popped up a few years ago as a stylish young player but hasn't much of note since. Lions squad seems pretty weak so hopefully he'll get a good look batting up top and I think there's some potential in him. Has the shots to play a modern game and be a dynamic player.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Ifti dropping a super easy catch off Imam...

Good to see he is doing everything he can to not be considered for the national team.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Quite a poor player pool for this

 

[Omer2002]

Rafay keeping has made markhors even stronger

 

[Omer2002]

Fakhar has a proper gulli danda stance

 

[RidiculousMan]

IftiMania time. Showing why he is best finisher in domestic

 

[khyberlion]

Few nice hits from Saad masood. He's clearly worked on his batting from PJL. Didn't see his bowling today but it didn't look good in PJL.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup 2024: Nurpur Lions vs UMT Markhors

UMT Markhors won by 4 wickets.

Nurpur Lions: 150-7 (20 ov)

UMT Markhors: 154-6 (19 ov)

Lions Batting:

Markhors Batting:

 

[Omer2002]

Few nice hits from Saad masood. He's clearly worked on his batting from PJL. Didn't see his bowling today but it didn't look good in PJL.

He looked a tail ender first ball but then player very well. I saw all of his spell and he looked okish and clearly outbowled faisal akram today

 

[khyberlion]

He looked a tail ender first ball but then player very well. I saw all of his spell and he looked okish and clearly outbowled faisal akram today

Did he spin the ball? Faisal Akram is pretty average in fairness and I don't see much future for him. If Saad bowling was similar to what is was in PJL he won't make it.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

He looked a tail ender first ball but then player very well. I saw all of his spell and he looked okish and clearly outbowled faisal akram today

Where is this being streamed? (I'm overseas)

 

[Omer2002]

Where is this being streamed? (I'm overseas)

Where is this being streamed? (I'm overseas)

For all overseas viewers its on youtube but not on pcb a different channel

 

[khyberlion]

Where is this being streamed? (I'm overseas)

Yes on YouTube

 

[Omer2002]

Did he spin the ball? Faisal Akram is pretty average in fairness and I don't see much future for him. If Saad bowling was similar to what is was in PJL he won't make it.

He spun a few but looked a part timer of a bowler actually like shadab maybe didnt look a natural. I didnt see pjl.
Whole match is on youtube so you can see for yourself

 

[adi_62941]

Why cricinfo is not covering this tournament.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup 2024

Allied Bank Stallions vs Lake City Panthers

Toss: Lake City Panthers win the toss and decide to field first at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium , Rawalpindi.

 

[mango_bite77]

What a useless tournament. PCB wasting money.

 

[Omer2002]

Something to watch though

 

[FearlessRoar]

Yasir Khan gave the Stallions a strong start against the Panthers but couldn't convert it into a big score, falling for a brisk 27 off 15 balls.

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

 

[FearlessRoar]

Muhammad Umar provided an early breakthrough for the Panthers against the Stallions.

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

 

[FearlessRoar]

This is a T20 tournament, yet the stands remain empty.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup 2024
Allied Bank Stallions vs Lake City Panthers

Update: Allied Bank Stallions 95-2 in 10 overs.

 

[RidiculousMan]

50 for Haris. Captain leading from the front

 

[Omer2002]

Well well here i was being harsh on faisal akram but shadab and osama have just been sent to cleaners

 

[Markhor]

This is a T20 tournament, yet the stands remain empty.

People aren't gonna watch a third domestic T20 tournament consisting of a bunch of random teams with no geographic affiliation.

With PSL and National T20 Cup, this competition is redundant. This domestic season has been the worst organised in years.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Innings Break

Stallions v Panthers - 2nd match

Stallions 216/3 (20 overs)

 

[khyberlion]

Such is the standard that hussnain talat is scoring a 50 ball ton.

 

[Bewal Express]

People aren't gonna watch a third domestic T20 tournament consisting of a bunch of random teams with no geographic affiliation.

With PSL and National T20 Cup, this competition is redundant. This domestic season has been the worst organised in years.

What is going on? Where is @emranabbas these days to explain this

 

[Kianig89]

Any big scores here should be taken with a pinch of salt, rubbish quality PCB itself is destroying its product

 

[emranabbas]

What is going on? Where is @emranabbas these days to explain this

National duty comes first, I'm on national duty in this thread.

[Report] BCCI accepts two-way hybrid model to resolve Champions Trophy deadlock with PCB [Post Updated #4295]

No cricket team was attacked with bombs and bullets in these countries. UN sanctioned terrorists don't roam freely in these countries. Again ... you are not required to use facts in these discussions .... so dont constrain yourself to a higher standard. Kuch bhi chalega babu moshay :cool:

ppforum.pakpassion.net

 

[shah_1]

Extremely poor quality tournament

 

[khyberlion]

What is going on? Where is @emranabbas these days to explain this

He believes Rohail nazir is better than Babar.

 

[Xoib]

People aren't gonna watch a third domestic T20 tournament consisting of a bunch of random teams with no geographic affiliation.

With PSL and National T20 Cup, this competition is redundant. This domestic season has been the worst organised in years.

Champions T 20 is being in the peak domestic season while Champions FC tourney will be played in peak June summer and we wonder why our red ball talent has dried up

 

[FearlessRoar]

Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup 2024

Allied Bank Stallions vs Lake City Panthers

Update: Lake City Panthers 111-3, 10 overs v Allied Bank Stallions 216-3, 20 overs.

 

[khyberlion]

Zaman Khan can't believe he played a few games for Pakistan. Truly an awful cricketer in all departments.

 

[shah_1]

Zaman Khan can't believe he played a few games for Pakistan. Truly an awful cricketer in all departments.

Pakistan cap has become cheap

 

[FearlessRoar]

Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup 2024

Allied Bank Stallions vs Lake City Panthers

Update: Lake City Panthers 148-6, 15 overs v Allied Bank Stallions 216-3, 20 overs.