Tag: Champions Cup

FAISALABAD: Kamran Ghulam’s century, followed by a dominant performance by the pacers helped Markhors thump Panthers by 160 runs in the opening match of the Champions One-Day Cup here on Thursday.

Shadab Khan-led Panthers bundled for a meagre 187 in 34.5 overs while chasing a mammoth 348.

They had a horrible start to their chase as Naseem Shah and Akif Javed’s new ball spell left them reeling at 52-6 in ten overs.

Mubasir Khan (33) and Ammad Butt showed resistance with a 59-run partnership for the seventh wicket before Akif struck again to remove the former.

Ammad added another 59 runs with Usama Mir (21) to push the total to 170 but Shahnawaz Dahani dismissed Mir to break the partnership in the 31st over.

Ammad, who top-scored for the Panthers with 72, got clean bowled by Zahid Mehmood before Dahani wrapped up the innings with the wicket of Mohammad Hasnain.

For the Markhors, Naseem and Akif both claimed three wickets, while Dahani grabbed two.

Panthers invited Markhors to bat first and they removed both openers in 13.2 overs with 64 runs on the board.

Kamran Ghulam and skipper Mohammad Rizwan then joined hands, constructing a solid 133-run stand for the third wicket.

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Ghulam attacked the Panthers’ bowlers with his aggressive strokeplay while Rizwan played an anchor role, scoring 45 runs from 57 balls before falling to Mohammad Hasnain.

Mubasir Khan removed new batter Salman Ali Agha in the next over, bringing Iftikhar Ahmed to the crease.

Kamran Ghulam added 63 runs for the fifth wicket with Iftikhar Ahmed before Amad Butt caught him off Hasnain to end his entertaining knock.

Ghulam scored the first century of the Champions One-Day Cup, finishing his innings with 115 runs from 102 balls, laced with twelve boundaries and three sixes.

Abdul Samad joined Iftikhar and turned the game on its head with his belligerent hitting, hitting 62 runs from 25 balls with the help of four boundaries and six sixes.

Meanwhile, Iftikhar returned with an unbeaten 57 off 44, featuring seven boundaries and one six as Markhors scored 347-6 in 50 overs.

For the Panthers, Mubasir Khan and Hasnain picked two wickets each, while Amad Butt and Mohammad Zeeshan bagged one each.

Playing XIs

Panthers: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Faizan, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Zahid Mahmood, Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Akif Javed

Markhors: Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Azan Awais, Haider Ali, Shadab Khan (c), Mubasir Khan, Amad Butt, Mohammad Hasnain, Usama Mir, Mohammad Zeeshan

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FAISALABAD: Shadab Khan-led Panthers have won the toss and elected to field first against Mohammad Rizwan’s Markhors in the opening match of the Champions One-Day Cup at Iqbal Stadium here on Thursday.

Playing XIs

Panthers: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Faizan, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Zahid Mahmood, Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Akif Javed

Markhors: Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Azan Awais, Haider Ali, Shadab Khan (c), Mubasir Khan, Amad Butt, Mohammad Hasnain, Usama Mir, Mohammad Zeeshan

READ: Stallions skipper Haris picks strongest opposition in Champions Cup

FAISALABAD: Renowned Pakistan singer Aima Baig will perform at the mid-innings break during the opening match of the upcoming Champions One-Day Cup on Thursday.

The season opener will be played between Mohammad Rizwan-led Markhors (previously Wolves) and Shadab Khan-led Panthers at Iqbal Stadium. Aima Baig’s mid-innings performance will be followed by post-match fireworks.

The Champions One-Day Cup will feature the country’s top cricketers. This 50-over tournament will be played in a single-league format, where five teams will be mentored by stalwarts such as Misbah-ul-Haq (Markhors), Saqlain Mushtaq (Panthers), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Dolphins), Shoaib Malik (Stallions) and Waqar Younis (Lions).

Except for the 16 September match between Lions and Panthers, which will commence at 9.30 am local time, all other 13 matches will begin at 3 pm.

The winners of the Champions One-Day Cup will receive a prize money of PKR 30 million, while the runners-up will take home PKR 15 million.

Champions One-Day Cup Schedule

12 Sep – Markhors v Panthers

13 Sep – Stallions v Lions

14 Sep – Dolphins v Panthers

15 Sep – Markhors v Stallions

16 Sep – Lions v Panthers

17 Sep – Dolphins v Markhors

19 Sep – Stallions v Dolphins

20 Sep – Lions v Markhors

21 Sep – Panthers v Stallions

22 Sep – Dolphins v Lions

24 Sep – Qualifier (Team No.1 v Team No. 2)

25 Sep – Eliminator 1 (Team No.3 v Team No.4)

27 Sep – Eliminator 2 (Losing Qualifier v Winning Eliminator 2)

29 Sep – Final

READ: Stallions skipper Haris picks strongest opposition in Champions Cup

Wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Haris, who will lead the Stallions in the upcoming Champions One-Day Cup, has picked the strongest opposition in the tournament.

During his appearance on the ARY News show “Sports Room,” the right-handed batter said that Mohammad Rizwan-led Markhors (previously Wolves) would be the strongest opposition to face in the Champions Cup.

“Our side will be the strongest in the tournament, but the strongest opposition would be Mohammad Rizwan’s team. We will enjoy playing against them,” he said.

Responding to a question, the wicketkeeping batter expressed hope that the Champions One-Day Cup would become a game-changing tournament for Pakistan cricket.

“In terms of quality, all the international players are available in the tournament. When I bat in domestic cricket, I do not get international-level bowlers. However, all those bowlers will be available in this tournament which is a good thing,” he said.

According to Mohammad Haris, the upcoming tournament provided a good opportunity for players to perform and make their way to the national squad.

In this regard, he said that he and his team mentors have decided to give more chances to youngsters and back them throughout the tournament.

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“Other teams would also want to do the same to allow youngsters to show their skills and to learn from the international stars,” he added.

The Stallions skipper revealed that he is eyeing a comeback to the Pakistan national squad with his performance in the Champions Cup.

“Being a wicketkeeper, batter and captain, my goal is to perform and make a comeback to the team. This tournament is very important to me and I will try to play in the position that is required in the Pakistan team,” he said.

On the importance of mentors, he said that team players were very happy with the decision as they will have a lot to learn from the senior players.

“All the players welcome having such mentors who are very helpful to them. They do not hesitate to talk to mentors due to their easy-going nature,” Mohammad Haris added.

The five-team tournament will commence on 12 September (today) with Markhors facing Shadab Khan-led Panthers in the opening match. Meanwhile the final is scheduled to be played on 29 September.

The Champions One-Day Cup will feature the country’s top cricketers. This 50-over tournament will be played in a single-league format, where five teams will be mentored by stalwarts such as Misbah-ul-Haq (Markhors), Saqlain Mushtaq (Panthers), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Dolphins), Shoaib Malik (Stallions) and Waqar Younis (Lions).

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FAISALABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday, unveiled the prize money for the upcoming Champions One-Day Cup, scheduled to be held at Iqbal Stadium here.

According to a statement, released by the PCB, the winners of the Champions One-Day Cup will receive a prize money of PKR 30 million, while the runners-up will take home PKR 15 million.

The five-team tournament will commence on 12 September with Mohammad Rizwan-led Markhors (previously Wolves) facing Shadab Khan-led Panthers in the opening match. Meanwhile the final is scheduled to be played on 29 September.

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The Champions One-Day Cup will feature the country’s top cricketers. This 50-over tournament will be played in a single-league format, where five teams will be mentored by stalwarts such as Misbah-ul-Haq (Markhors), Saqlain Mushtaq (Panthers), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Dolphins), Shoaib Malik (Stallions) and Waqar Younis (Lions).

Except for the 16 September match between Lions and Panthers, which will commence at 9.30 am local time, all other 13 matches will begin at 3 pm.

Champions One-Day Cup Schedule

12 Sep – Markhors v Panthers

13 Sep – Stallions v Lions

14 Sep – Dolphins v Panthers

15 Sep – Markhors v Stallions

16 Sep – Lions v Panthers

17 Sep – Dolphins v Markhors

19 Sep – Stallions v Dolphins

20 Sep – Lions v Markhors

21 Sep – Panthers v Stallions

22 Sep – Dolphins v Lions

24 Sep – Qualifier (Team No.1 v Team No. 2)

25 Sep – Eliminator 1 (Team No.3 v Team No.4)

27 Sep – Eliminator 2 (Losing Qualifier v Winning Eliminator 2)

29 Sep – Final

Champions One-Day Cup Player support personnel:

The following is the player support personnel of the five sides, which have been selected by the mentors:

Dolphins – Sarfaraz Ahmed (mentor), Ahmed Raza (manager), Iqbal Imam (head coach), Abdul Saad (fielding coach), Faisal Raza (masseur), Hafiz Ali Hamza (analyst), Imtiaz (physiotherapist), Mohammad Masroor (batting coach), Sajid Shah (fast bowling coach), Tahir Mahmood (spin bowling coach) and Taimoor Mahmood (strength and conditioning)

Lions – Waqar Younis (mentor), Rahat Abbas Asadi (manager), Abdur Rehman (head coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Aizaz Cheema (fast bowling coach), Faisal Rai (analyst), Imranullah (strength and conditioning coach), Malang Ali (masseur), Riffatullah Mohmand (batting coach), Saeed Anwar Jnr (spin bowling coach) and Ubaid Ullah (physiotherapist)

Markhors (formerly Wolves) – Misbah-ul-Haq (mentor), Qasim Ali Paracha (manager), Ijaz Ahmed Jnr (head coach), Khurram Shehzad (batting coach), Mohammad Salman (fielding coach), Muhammad Shahid (masseur), Nabeel Pace (analyst), Saeed Ajmal (spin bowling coach), Samiullah Niazi (fast bowling coach), Syed Mohammad Asad (physiotherapist) and Yasir Malik (strength & conditioning coach)

Panthers – Panthers – Saqlain Mashtaq (mentor), Sharjeel Khurram Bhatti (manager), Umar Rasheed (head coach), Imran Farhat (batting coach), Javed Sheikh (strength and conditioning coach), Mohtashim Rasheed (fielding coach), Mohammad Ibrahim (analyst), Muhammad Ehsan (masseur), Tahir (physiotherapist), Zafar Iqbal (fast bowling coach) and Zulfiqar Babar (spin bowling coach)

Stallions – Shoaib Malik (mentor), Mohammad Ali Shahzad (manager), Mansoor Amjad (head coach), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), Bilal Munir (strength & conditioning coach), Faisal Naveed (batting coach), Hafiz Majid (fielding coach), Mohammad Ahsan Ehsan (analyst), Mohammad Mustaqeem (masseur), Tanvir (physiotherapist) and Umaid Asif (fast bowling coach)

READ: Wolves officially renamed to Markhors ahead of Champions One-Day Cup

FAISALABAD: The glittering trophy for the upcoming Champions One-Day Cup was unveiled at the Iqbal Stadium here on Wednesday.

The five-team tournament will commence on 12 September with Mohammad Rizwan-led Markhors (previously Wolves) facing Shadab Khan-led Panthers in the opening match. Meanwhile the final is scheduled to be played on 29 September.

The Champions One-Day Cup will feature the country’s top cricketers. This 50-over tournament will be played in a single-league format, where five teams will be mentored by stalwarts such as Misbah-ul-Haq (Markhors), Saqlain Mushtaq (Panthers), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Dolphins), Shoaib Malik (Stallions) and Waqar Younis (Lions).

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The winners of the Champions One-Day Cup will receive PKR 30 million, while the runners-up will take home PKR 15 million.

Except for the 16 September match between Lions and Panthers, which will commence at 9.30 am local time, all other 13 matches will begin at 3 pm.

Champions One-Day Cup Schedule

12 Sep – Markhors v Panthers

13 Sep – Stallions v Lions

14 Sep – Dolphins v Panthers

15 Sep – Markhors v Stallions

16 Sep – Lions v Panthers

17 Sep – Dolphins v Markhors

19 Sep – Stallions v Dolphins

20 Sep – Lions v Markhors

21 Sep – Panthers v Stallions

22 Sep – Dolphins v Lions

24 Sep – Qualifier (Team No.1 v Team No. 2)

25 Sep – Eliminator 1 (Team No.3 v Team No.4)

27 Sep – Eliminator 2 (Losing Qualifier v Winning Eliminator 2)

29 Sep – Final

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FAISALABAD: Champions One-Day Cup side the Wolves has been rebranded as the Markhors ahead of the tournament opener, scheduled on 12 September.

The Markhors (formerly Wolves), which is being mentored by the former Pakistan Misbah-ul-Haq, will face Saqlain Mashtaq’s Panthers on 12 September at Iqbal Stadium in the first game of the five-team tournament.

The inaugural edition of the Champions One-Day Cup will be played at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from 12 September to 29 September.

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The University of Management and Technology (UMT) has acquired the naming rights for the Markhors. On the other hand, Nurpur and Allied Bank have secured the rights for the Lions and the Stallions.

The details of the sponsors for the Dolphins and Panthers will be announced in due course.

Markhors Squad for Champions One-Day Cup

Mohammad Rizwan (captain, Peshawar), Fakhar Zaman (Abbottabad), Abdul Samad (Faisalabad), Akif Javed (FATA), Ali Usman (Multan), Bilawal Bhatti (Muridke), Haseebullah (Pishin), Iftikhar Ahmed (Peshawar), Kamran Ghulam (Peshawar), Mohammad Faizan (Faisalabad), Mohammad Imran Jnr (Peshawar), Mohammad Sarwar Afridi (FATA), Muhammad Imran (Khanewal), Naseem Shah (Lahore), Nisar Ahmed (Lahore), Salman Ali Agha (Lahore), Shahnawaz Dahani (Larkana), Zahid Mehmood (Dadu) and Zain Abbas (Multan).

Player support personnel: Misbah-ul-Haq (mentor), Qasim Ali Paracha (manager), Ijaz Ahmed Jnr (head coach), Khurram Shehzad (batting coach), Mohammad Salman (fielding coach), Muhammad Shahid (masseur), Nabeel Pace (analyst), Saeed Ajmal (spin bowling coach), Samiullah Niazi (fast bowling coach), Syed Mohammad Asad (physiotherapist) and Yasir Malik (strength & conditioning coach)

READ: Salman Butt named in commentary panel for Champions One-Day Cup

FAISALABAD: Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt was named in the star-studded commentary panel for the upcoming Champions One-Day Cup.

The five-team tournament will be played at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from 12 September to 29 September.

Besides Salman Butt, the commentary panel features Sikander Bakht, Marina Iqbal, Ali Younis, and Shah Faisal. Meanwhile, Meesha Imran will serve as the presenter.

The Champions One-Day Cup will feature the country’s top cricketers. This 50-over tournament will be played in a single-league format.

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All matches will commence at 3 pm, except for the Lions vs Panthers match on 16 September, which will start at 9:30 am.

It’s worth noting that five teams will be mentored by stalwarts such as Misbah-ul-Haq (Wolves), Saqlain Mushtaq (Panthers), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Dolphins), Shoaib Malik (Stallions) and Waqar Younis (Lions).

Champions One-Day Cup Schedule

12 Sep – Wolves v Panthers

13 Sep – Stallions v Lions

14 Sep – Dolphins v Panthers

15 Sep – Wolves v Stallions

16 Sep – Lions v Panthers

17 Sep – Dolphins v Wolves

19 Sep – Stallions v Dolphins

20 Sep – Lions v Wolves

21 Sep – Panthers v Stallions

22 Sep – Dolphins v Lions

24 Sep – Qualifier (Team No.1 v Team No. 2)

25 Sep – Eliminator 1 (Team No.3 v Team No.4)

27 Sep – Eliminator 2 (Losing Qualifier v Winning Eliminator 2)

29 Sep – Final

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Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, who has been under fire for his below-par batting performances, has faced another setback as he got clean-bowled by a local bowler during a practice match.

Babar is currently gearing up for the upcoming Champions One-Day Cup, where he will be representing the Stallions side, led by young wicket-keeper Mohammad Haris.

The aforementioned dismissal occurred during a practice match between the Stallions and the Lions.

Babar Azam attempted a paddle sweep against left-arm spinner Mohammad Asghar., however, he missed the ball, which sneaked under his bat and hit his stumps.

Pakistan’s ace batter Babar Azam has been under tight scrutiny due to his below-par performances recently, the highlight of which was his dismal run in the two-match home Test series against Bangladesh.

He crashed out of the top ten list in the ICC Test Batting Rankings after a forgettable home series against Bangladesh, where he managed 64 runs in four innings.

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He will look to regain his form in the Champions One-Day Cup playing for the Stallions, who will kick off their tournament campaign against Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Lions on 13 September.

Stallions squad (to be trimmed to 15 on 10 September)

Mohammad Haris (captain, Peshawar), Abrar Ahmed (Karachi), Adil Amin (Peshawar), Azam Khan (Peshawar), Babar Azam (Lahore), Haris Rauf (Islamabad), Hussain Talat (Lahore), Jahandad Khan (Rawalpindi), Junaid Ali (Lahore), Maaz Ahmad Sadaqat (Peshawar), Mehran Mumtaz (Rawalpindi), Mohammad Ali (Sialkot), Mohammad Amir Khan (Swat), Saad Khan (Hyderabad), Shamyl Hussain (Islamabad), Shan Masood (Karachi), Tayyab Tahir (Sarai Alamgir), Ubaid Shah (Lahore), Yasir Khan (Rawalpindi) and Zaman Khan (Mirpur)

Mentor – Shoaib Malik

READ: Saud Shakeel calls Sarfaraz Ahmed’s experience a ‘massive boost’

FAISALABAD: Pakistan Test vice-captain Saud Shakeel has stated that having former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed in the team is a major boost for the Dolphins in the Champions One-Day Cup.

The five-team season-opening tournament will commence at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on Thursday, 12 September, while the final will be played on 29 September.

The Dolphins will kick off their Champions Cup campaign on 14 September against Shadab Khan-led Panthers.

The 29-year-old Saud, who has represented Pakistan in 15 ODIs, talked about his team’s combination and how the experience of Sarfaraz Ahmed as a mentor can help the side to do well in the tournament.

“We have a well-balanced side going into the Champions One-Day Cup,” Saud told PCB Digital.

“The focus is on maintaining a strong combination of experienced players and young talent. This tournament provides an opportunity for the players to prove their mettle and impress the selectors to get selected for the national team.

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“Having Sarfaraz Ahmed in the team as a player and mentor is a massive boost for us. His insights and leadership on and off the field will help young players to develop their game.”

Talking about the importance of the inaugural edition of the tournament, Saud said: “This inaugural edition of the Champions One-Day Cup is going to be crucial for domestic cricket in Pakistan.

“It gives players a big stage to showcase their skills, especially in the 50-over format, which is vital with the upcoming international fixtures. The competition will be intense and it will provide fans to come in good amount to cherish their favourite players performances.”

Dolphine squad (to be trimmed to 15 on 10 September)

Saud Shakeel (captain, Karachi), Aftab Ibrahim (Karachi), Asif Ali (Faisalabad), Awais Ali (Gujranwala), Faheem Ashraf (Kasur), Kashif Ali (Rawalpindi), Mir Hamza (Karachi), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot), Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Peshawar), Muhammad Akhlaq (Kamoki), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (Karachi), Muhammad Riazullah (Peshawar), Noman Ali (Hyderabad), Qasim Akram (Lahore), Sameen Gul (Jamrud), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Karachi), Sahibzada Farhan (Peshawar), Sufiyan Moqim (Kotli), Umar Amin (Rawalpindi) and Usman Qadir (Lahore)

Mentor – Sarfaraz Ahmed

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