Pakistan’s cricket is set to witness a flurry of activity in the coming months, with a packed schedule that includes the Champions One-Day Cup, a series against England, and several international and domestic matches.
The Champions One-Day Cup, which kicks off on September 12, will feature five teams captained by Pakistan internationals. The sides, named Lions, Wolves, Panthers, Dolphins, and Stallions, will be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Saud Shakeel, and Mohammad Haris respectively.
The tournament will take place in Faisalabad, with all matches scheduled to be played at the Iqbal Cricket Stadium.
In a surprising move, Mohammad Haris has been appointed as the captain of the Stallions, despite being left out of Pakistan’s World Cup squad and losing his place in the T20 side. This sudden return to favor with the PCB is a testament to the team’s desire to give talented players a chance to shine.
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The tournament will feature a unique format, with no semi-finals and playoffs instead. The teams will be trimmed down to their final squads by September 10, and the competition will conclude on September 29.
Meanwhile on the other side, the PCB is facing some tough decisions regarding the upcoming series against England. The situation is complicated by ongoing work at stadiums in Pakistan, which has forced the board to consider moving one Test match to Abu Dhabi.
The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Stadium in Karachi are undergoing major renovations, while Rawalpindi Stadium is also having work done.
The pressure to make a decision quickly is mounting, as substantial numbers of England fans will arrive for the series. The PCB needs to finalize the venues soon to make logistical arrangements for the fans and teams. England head coach Brendon McCullum has pointed out that his team needs to know the venues in advance to pick a squad.
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In addition to the Champions One-Day Cup and the England series, Pakistan’s cricket scene is also gearing up for the Champions Trophy in February next year. The tournament will be held in Pakistan for the first time since 1996, and preparations are underway to ensure that all participating teams have a smooth experience.
The stadium upgrades are part of a broader effort to modernize Pakistan’s cricket infrastructure. The PCB is investing heavily in renovations at several venues, including Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi’s National Stadium. The aim is to ensure that these iconic stadiums can host international matches safely and efficiently.
Pakistan’s busy season ahead will also feature seven Tests, four white-ball internationals, and an expanded domestic calendar. The PCB has taken steps to address the challenges posed by this packed schedule, including scheduling international matches at different venues to minimize congestion.