Tag: Pakistan Champions

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan Champions head coach Arshad Khan has expressed confidence in his squad ahead of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

Pakistan Champions, who finished runners-up in the inaugural edition, will begin their 2025 campaign against England Champions in the tournament opener on Friday.

Speaking to a local media channel, Arshad Khan pointed out the blend of youth and experience in the squad.

“We have several fresh legs this year, players like Asif Ali, Hafeez, Umar Amin, and Rumman Raees, alongside experienced campaigners such as Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Sohaib Maqsood, and Amir Yamin,” he said.

The coach noted that most of the squad members have remained active in club or domestic cricket.

“Most of these players have recently been active in club cricket, and some have even featured in domestic cricket,” he added.

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“Even our senior players are fully fit and in good shape. We also have some practice time before the first game, which will help us overcome any notable shortcomings.”

Team owner Kamil Khan also sounded optimistic about the upcoming campaign, saying the squad aims to take one step further this time after reaching the final in the inaugural edition.

“We’ve come with a renewed sense of purpose and passion to win. It’s a strong lineup, but so are the other teams. This season promises to be tougher and more competitive,” he stated.

Kamil emphasized the importance of squad depth, especially in English conditions, and said the tournament offers a great opportunity to players who may still have something to offer at the international level.

“It’s a balanced side with multiple all-rounders. We have seasoned players like Imad Wasim, Asif Ali, Umar Amin, Hafeez as captain, and stars like Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik. Amir Yamin, for example, has proven his worth and continues to be someone who deserves more recognition,” he added.

READ: Shahid Afridi ‘hopeful’ Pakistan Champions can win WCL 2025

BIRMINGHAM: Star all-rounder Shahid Afridi is confident that Pakistan Champions are well-equipped to go all the way in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, with the second edition of the tournament set to begin on July 18 at Edgbaston.

Pakistan Champions, who finished runners-up in the inaugural edition, will begin their 2025 campaign against England Champions in the tournament opener on Friday.

This time, Mohammad Hafeez takes over the reins from Younis Khan, who led the side to the final last year.

Speaking to a local channel during a training session at Edgbaston, Shahid Afridi praised the squad’s depth and balance and expressed optimism about their chances this season.

“We have a wonderful squad again, a very strong combination. We had a good first season, but this year we are hopeful of winning the tournament,” Afridi said.

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He also lauded the presence of relatively younger players and the idea of rotating leadership roles among former greats.

“This time, there’s more young blood, and a new captain is at the helm. Younis Khan did a great job last year, and now Hafeez will be leading the side,” he added.

The marquee Pakistan vs India clash is slated for July 20, also at Edgbaston. Shahid Afridi acknowledged that the high-stakes rivalry remains the tournament’s biggest attraction.

“Every match is important, but Pakistan vs India always carries that special energy. I’m hopeful more fans will flock to the stadiums to watch us in action,” he said.

Pakistan Champions squad for WCL 2025

Mohammad Hafeez (c), Shoaib Malik, Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Amin, Sharjeel Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK), Shahid Afridi, Asif Ali, Aamer Yamin, Wahab Riaz, Rumman Raees, Sohail Tanvir, Sohail Khan.

READ: PCB unveils Women’s Cricket Calendar for 2025-26 season

BIRMINGHAM: The Pakistan Champions team hit the ground running with a first training session here on Thursday ahead of their opening game in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

Pakistan Champions sharpened their bowling, batting, and fielding skills ahead of their opening match against England Champions, set to be played tomorrow at the iconic Edgbaston Cricket Ground. The game will begin at 8:00 pm PKT.

Former captain Mohammad Hafeez will lead the side in his WCL debut season, taking over from Younis Khan, who is not part of the squad this time around. Another senior name missing from the lineup is Misbah-ul-Haq.

Among the fresh faces, wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed, all-rounder Imad Wasim, and left-arm pacer Rumman Raees join Umar Amin as key additions.

Meanwhile, the core of the team, including Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, and Wahab Riaz, remains intact.

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Following the opening match, the Pakistan Champions will face their arch-rivals and defending Champions, India, in their second match.

They will face South Africa on 25 July before taking on the West Indies on 26 July. The runners-up of the last tournament will play their final fixture against Australia on 29 July.

For the unversed, the WCL 2025 will be contested across four English venues: Edgbaston (Birmingham), County Ground (Northampton), Grace Road (Leicester), and Headingley (Leeds).

Six teams, India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies, will face off in a round-robin format, with the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals.

The upcoming edition marks the second installment of the WCL, following the inaugural tournament held in 2024, where the Indian team, led by the legendary Yuvraj Singh, emerged as champions.

During the inaugural season, Younis Khan-led Pakistan were among the standout teams, producing dominant performances throughout the group stage.

Despite a spirited effort, Pakistan Champions fell just short in the final against arch-rivals India. After setting a target of 157, they couldn’t prevent India from chasing it down with five wickets and five balls to spare.

Pakistan Champions squad for WCL 2025

Mohammad Hafeez (c), Shoaib Malik, Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Amin, Sharjeel Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK), Shahid Afridi, Asif Ali, Aamer Yamin, Wahab Riaz, Rumman Raees, Sohail Tanvir, Sohail Khan.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan Champions squad arrives in England for WCL 2025

BIRMINGHAM: The Pakistan Champions Squad touched down here on Thursday to feature in the much-anticipated second edition of the World Championship of the Legends (WCL) 2025.

The runners-up of the last edition will begin their campaign tomorrow against the England Champions at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium in the season opener.

The team’s arrival at Birmingham Airport was captured in a video posted on the franchise’s social media handles, featuring Champions captain Mohammad Hafeez, all-rounder Shoaib Malik, pacer Rumman Raees, and top-order batter Sharjeel Khan.

 

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Former spinner Saeed Ajmal, head coach Arshad Khan, and Pakistan Champions franchise owners Kamil Khan were with the squad participating in the six-team tournament.

For the unversed, the WCL 2025 will be contested across four English venues: Edgbaston (Birmingham), County Ground (Northampton), Grace Road (Leicester), and Headingley (Leeds).

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Six teams —India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies —will face off in a round-robin format, with the top four teams qualifying for the semifinals.

The upcoming edition marks the second installment of the WCL, following the inaugural tournament held in 2024, where the Indian team, led by the legendary Yuvraj Singh, emerged as champions.

During the inaugural season, Younis Khan-led Pakistan were among the standout teams, producing dominant performances throughout the group stage.

Despite a spirited effort, Pakistan Champions fell just short in the final against arch-rivals India. After setting a target of 157, they couldn’t prevent India from chasing it down with five wickets and five balls to spare.

Pakistan Champions squad for WCL 2025

Mohammad Hafeez (c), Shoaib Malik, Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Amin, Sharjeel Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK), Shahid Afridi, Asif Ali, Aamer Yamin, Wahab Riaz, Rumman Raees, Sohail Tanvir, Sohail Khan.

READ: Top-order batter included in Pakistan Champions’ WCL 2025 squad

Left-handed batter Umar Amin has joined the star-studded Pakistan Champions’ squad for the upcoming 2025 edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), which kicks off on July 18 in England.

The Pakistan Champions will begin their campaign against the England Champions at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium in the season opener.

The franchise has unveiled the squad for the second edition, with some notable inclusions and a few surprising omissions.

Former captain Mohammad Hafeez will lead the side in his WCL debut season, taking over from Younis Khan, who is not part of the squad this time around. Another senior name missing from the lineup is Misbah-ul-Haq.

Among the fresh faces, wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed, all-rounder Imad Wasim, and left-arm pacer Rumman Raees join Umar Amin as key additions.

Meanwhile, the core of the team, including Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, and Wahab Riaz, remains intact.

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For the unversed, the WCL 2025 will be contested across four English venues: Edgbaston (Birmingham), County Ground (Northampton), Grace Road (Leicester), and Headingley (Leeds).

Six teams, India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies, will face off in a round-robin format, with the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals.

The upcoming edition marks the second installment of the WCL, following the inaugural tournament held in 2024, where the Indian team, led by the legendary Yuvraj Singh, emerged as champions.

During the inaugural season, Younis Khan-led Pakistan were among the standout teams, producing dominant performances throughout the group stage.

Despite a spirited effort, Pakistan Champions fell just short in the final against arch-rivals India. After setting a target of 157, they couldn’t prevent India from chasing it down with five wickets and five balls to spare.

Pakistan Champions squad for WCL 2025

Mohammad Hafeez (c), Shoaib Malik, Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Amin, Sharjeel Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK), Shahid Afridi, Asif Ali, Aamer Yamin, Wahab Riaz, Rumman Raees, Sohail Tanvir, Sohail Khan.

READ: Ricky Ponting backs THIS batter to open alongside Usman Khawaja in Ashes

Wicket-keeper batter and 2017 Champions Trophy-winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has joined Pakistan Champions for the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, scheduled to take place from July 18 to August 2, 2025.

The announcement of the veteran player was made via social media handles.

“He is back behind the stumps… and probably shouting “only one, only one!” already. Everyone’s favourite Sarfaraz Ahmed returns — and so does the energy we all love,” the franchise wrote in the caption with an animated picture.

Sarfaraz Ahmed led Pakistan to a memorable victory over arch-rivals India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. The right-hander has represented Pakistan in 61 T20Is.

Under Sarfaraz’s captaincy, Pakistan clinched 11 consecutive T20I series wins, defeating West Indies, Australia, New Zealand, England, and Zimbabwe.

For the unversed, the WCL 2025 will be contested across four English venues: Edgbaston (Birmingham), County Ground (Northampton), Grace Road (Leicester), and Headingley (Leeds).

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Six teams, India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies, will face off in a round-robin format, with the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals.

The upcoming edition marks the second installment of the WCL, following the inaugural tournament held in 2024, where the Indian team, led by the legendary Yuvraj Singh, emerged as champions.

During the inaugural season, Younis Khan-led Pakistan were among the standout teams, producing dominant performances throughout the group stage.

They opened their campaign with a clinical win over Australia before thrashing the West Indies.

One of the tournament’s most iconic moments came in their clash against India, where Pakistan racked up a mammoth 243/4 and then restricted their arch-rivals to 175/9.

Their only group-stage defeat came against South Africa, but the Men in Green bounced back strong, sealing a semi-final win against the West Indies by 20 runs to set up a high-stakes final against India.

Despite a spirited effort, Pakistan Champions fell just short in the final. After setting a target of 157, they couldn’t prevent India from chasing it down with five wickets and five balls to spare.

READ: Pakistan crush Bangladesh to continue unbeaten run in U-18 Hockey Asia Cup

Former all-rounder Imad Wasim has been added to the Pakistan Champions squad for the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, set to be played from July 18 to August 2, 2025.

The announcement of Imad Wasim’s inclusion was made via social media handles.

“A power-packed addition to the squad. We proudly welcome Imad Wasim to Pakistan Champions, an all-rounder with grit, game, and presence,” the franchise wrote.

Imad Wasim, who announced his retirement from international cricket in 2024, is a regular in the T20 circuit around the globe. The left-hander has played 394 T20Is, along with featuring in 75 matches for Pakistan in the shortest format.

 

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Currently, Imad Wasim is representing Somerset in the T20 blast in England. The tournament will be on hold starting July 18 after the conclusion of the league stage.

The Pakistan Champions’ squad will also feature Sarfaraz Ahmed, the captain who led the team to victory in the Champions Trophy 2017.

For the unversed, the WCL 2025 will be contested across four English venues: Edgbaston (Birmingham), County Ground (Northampton), Grace Road (Leicester), and Headingley (Leeds).

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Six teams, India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies, will face off in a round-robin format, with the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals.

The upcoming edition marks the second installment of the WCL, following the inaugural tournament held in 2024, where the Indian team, led by the legendary Yuvraj Singh, emerged as champions.

During the inaugural season, Younis Khan-led Pakistan were among the standout teams, producing dominant performances throughout the group stage.

They opened their campaign with a clinical win over Australia before thrashing the West Indies.

One of the tournament’s most iconic moments came in their clash against India, where Pakistan racked up a mammoth 243/4 and then restricted their arch-rivals to 175/9.

Their only group-stage defeat came against South Africa, but the Men in Green bounced back strong, sealing a semi-final win against the West Indies by 20 runs to set up a high-stakes final against India.

Despite a spirited effort, Pakistan Champions fell just short in the final. After setting a target of 157, they couldn’t prevent India from chasing it down with five wickets and five balls to spare.

READ: Suryavanshi eyes rare double in Youth ODIs after shattering Kamran Ghulam’s record

Pakistan Champions have officially lifted the curtain on their new jersey ahead of the second season of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), scheduled to run from July 18 to August 2, 2025, in Birmingham.

The franchise took to social media on Thursday, unveiling the kit with a powerful visual that captures both legacy and energy.

The jersey features Pakistan’s iconic green base, complemented by vibrant yellow accents along the sides and sleeves.

“Proud to unveil the official jersey of the 𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 for the World Championship of Legends 2025! Led by legends, built with passion,” the team captioned the reveal, signaling intent for the season ahead.

During the inaugural season, Younis Khan-led Pakistan Champions were among the standout teams, producing dominant performances throughout the group stage.

They opened their campaign with a clinical win over Australia before thrashing the West Indies.

One of the tournament’s most iconic moments came in their clash against India, where Pakistan racked up a mammoth 243/4 and then restricted their arch-rivals to 175/9.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Their only group-stage defeat came against South Africa, but the Men in Green bounced back strong, sealing a semi-final win against the West Indies by 20 runs to set up a high-stakes final against India.

Despite a spirited effort, Pakistan Champions fell just short in the final. After setting a target of 157, they couldn’t prevent India from chasing it down with five wickets and five balls to spare.

The second edition of the WCL will kick off on July 18 2025, featuring cricketing legends from Pakistan, India, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies. The final is scheduled for August 2.

READ: Pakistan Champions reveal new logo ahead of WCL 2025

BIRMINGHAM: Ambati Rayudu’s half-century after Anureet Singh’s three-for led India Champions to beat Pakistan Champions by five wickets and win the World Championship of Legends here at Edgbaston on Saturday.

Set to chase 157, India Champions knocked the winning runs on the first delivery of the final over when Irfan Pathan hit Sohail Tanvir for a four.

Leading the charge in the run chase for India Champions was opening batter Ambadi Rayudu with a brisk half-century.

Rayudu hit five fours and two sixes on his way to a 30-ball 50 which culminated in the 12th over.

Gurkeerat Singh Mann played an anchoring role with a 33-ball 34 while Yusuf Pathan provided final touches with a quickfire 30.

Pathan conceded only 16 balls and conceded one four and three sixes.

India Champions captain Yuvraj Singh remained unbeaten with a 22-ball 15.

Aamer Yamin bagged two wickets for Pakistan Champions while Saeed Ajmal, Wahab Riaz and Shoaib Malik chipped in with a wicket apiece.

Younis Khan’s decision to bat first after winning the coin toss did not bear fruits for the Pakistan Champions as they put a par total on the board.

Pakistan Champions had a shaky start to their innings as their in-form hard-hitting opener Sharjeel Khan (12) fell victim to Anureet Singh in the second over with just 14 runs on the board.

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Sohaib Maqsood then joined Kamran Akmal in the middle for a briefly anchoring partnership as the duo could raise 29 runs for the second wicket.

Maqsood, who tried to counterattack the India Champions bowlers fell prey to Vinay Kumar in the fifth over after scoring a quick 21 off 12.

Pakistan Champions then lost two more wickets in quick succession — Kamran Akmal (24) and Younis Khan (7) — and consequently slipped to 79/4 in 11.3 overs.

Shoaib Malik, the leading run-scorer of the World Championship of Legends, took the reigns of Pakistan Champions batting expedition against India Champions and kept the scoreboard ticking with an anchoring knock.

Malik put together brief partnerships with Misbah-ul-Haq (18) and Aamer Yamin (7) before walking back to the dugout on the last delivery of the 18th over.

He remained the top-scorer for Pakistan Champions with a gutsy 41 off 36 deliveries, laced up with three sixes.

Later, Sohail Tanvir’s short cameo took Pakistan Champions’ total past the 150-run mark.

The all-rounder made an unbeaten 19 off nine while Shahid Afridi made a run-a-ball four and returned not out.

Anureet Singh was the star with the ball for India Champions while Vinay Kumar, Pawan Negi and Irfan Pathan chipped in with a wicket apiece.

READ: India humble Zimbabwe to take unassailable lead in T20I series

KARACHI: Right-arm pacer Shahnawaz Dahani expressed his goal to represent Pakistan in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Dahani, in an interview with a local news channel ahead of Pakistan Shaheens’ departure for Darwin, Australia, shared his experience of working with the national men’s Test team’s head coach Jason Gillespie.

“Our head coach joined us [in the camp] and he was available in two to three sessions. We had brief interactions you can call it the introduction,” said Dahani in an interview with a local news channel.

“By the will of Almighty Allah, we will seek his help in the future as well,” he added.

In response to a question regarding his fitness and performance in the domestic circuit, Dahani said his wickets tally indicates his fitness level.

“Look, when you perform and when you take wickets in domestic cricket it means you are fit that’s why your performance is up to the mark,” Dahani said.

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When probed about his plans to represent Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025, Shahnawaz Dahani shared that he is really eager and upbeat about the opportunity.

“Yes absolutely, I want to play Champions Trophy in Pakistan. It’s our home ground so I am very excited,” he concluded.

For the unversed, Pakistan Shaheens will play two four-day matches against Bangladesh ‘A’, followed by a tri-series with the Northern Territory side and Bangladesh in Darwin. They will also participate in the nine-team Top End T20 Series.

Pakistan Shaheens will depart for Brisbane in the wee hours of Saturday via Dubai. They will travel through Brisbane to Darwin later.

Notably, Pakistan’s red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie will travel to Darwin as the team’s head coach for the two four-day matches.

Pakistan Shaheens squad

Sahibzada Farhan (c), Haseebullah, Qasim Akram, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Huraira, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir, Umar Amin and Mohammad Ali.

Player Support Personnel – Jason Gillespie (head coach for red-ball matches, will also supervise camp from 8-13 July), Abdul Rehman (head coach for white-ball matches and will join the side on 28 July), Mohammad Masroor (Assistant coach-cum-manager and camp commandant from 24 June-7 July), Mohammad Asad (physiotherapist), Imranullah (trainer) and Usman Hashmi (analyst).

Schedule (all matches in Darwin)

14 Jul – Arrival in Darwin
19-22 Jul – Four-day vs Bangladesh ‘A’
26-29 Jul – Four-day vs Bangladesh ‘A’
4 Aug – 50-over match vs Northern Territory (NT)
6 Aug – 50 over match vs Bangladesh ‘A’
9-18 Aug – nine-team Top End T20 Series

READ: Hunain Shah ruled out of Pakistan Shaheens’ tour to Darwin