KARACHI: The inaugural edition of the Over 40s Cricket Global Cup will kick off tomorrow with the hosts Pakistan Veterans taking on the USA in the curtain raiser.
The tournament’s trophy unveiling ceremony took place at a local hotel in Karachi on Monday, followed by a press conference by the Chairman of the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA) Fawad Ijaz.
“For the first time in history, a major veterans’ cricket tournament is being held in Pakistan,” said Fawad Ijaz. “Tight security is being provided to all international teams,”
Upon being asked about the name of the tournament, he clarified that the tournament’s name was changed to Global Cup following ICC’s objection.
“The tournament was initially named World Cup, however, the International Cricket Council (ICC) raised objections over the name, hence we changed it to the Global Cup, which is sanctioned by the ICC,” he further added.
Fawad Ijaz also shed light on the fact as to why the Indian team is not part of the tournament.
“It is difficult to get the visa for Indian players,” he stated.
The tournament will feature teams from Australia, the West Indies, Canada, Hong Kong, the USA and the UAE. A total of 36 matches will be played at five different grounds in Karachi. Pakistan Team will play all its matches at National Bank Stadium.
Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq will lead Pakistan Veterans, featuring star players Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Sami, Abdul Razzaq and others.
Misbah-ul-Haq also talked to the media and expressed his excitement to play international cricket once again.
“Playing international cricket again is a different experience, however, playing 45 overs will be challenging,” said Misbah-ul-Haq.
“It is good for Pakistan that the tournament is being organized here, as fans love to see their stars in action again,” he further added.
Pakistan Veterans Squad for Over 40s Global Cup
Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Misbah ul Haq, Muhammad Sami, Hassan Raza, Tariq Haroon, Khurram Ali Khan (w.k), Waqas Ahmed, Abdul Qadir, Muhammad Rizwan Aslam, Kashif Sidqque, Muhammad Ilyas, Afzal Shah (w.k), Amjad Ali, Imran Ali, Tassawar Abbas, Adnan Raees, Junaid Khalil Nainitalwala.
Reserves: Yasir Hameed, Haris Ayaz, Shehzad Malik.
READ: Sri Lankan coach termed crushing loss in Asia Cup final a ‘wake-up call’
