Champions One-Day Cup begins today

LAHORE: Mohammad Rizwan’s UMT Markhors take on Shadab Khan’s Panthers in the much-anticipated opening match of the Champions One-Day Cup on Thursday at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

The tournament, featuring top cricket talent from across the country, carries a prize pool of PKR 49 million. The team that lifts the trophy on 29 September will claim PKR 30 million, while the runner-up will pocket PKR 15 million.

The Champions One-Day Cup is designed to provide a high-intensity, competitive environment for both established and emerging cricketers to showcase their talent. With five teams battling it out, the tournament is a key stepping stone for those aiming to break into Pakistan’s national side for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking ahead of the opening clash, Mohammad Rizwan, captain of the UMT Markhors, emphasized the importance of the tournament for players’ development: “A high-quality domestic event like the Champions One-Day Cup is the lifeblood of any leading cricket-playing nation. This will be a fiercely contested competition, and the team that consistently performs over the next 15 days will emerge victorious.”

Shadab Khan, captain of the Panthers, echoed similar sentiments, noting the significance of the event: “Only the team that shows consistency will come out on top, and I firmly believe we have what it takes to be that team. Starting the season with a high-pressure tournament like this will set the tone for the rest of the 2024-25 season.”

The Champions One-Day Cup isn’t just another tournament — it’s a critical opportunity for Pakistan’s best cricketers to make a mark ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The top performers are likely to strengthen their case for selection in Pakistan’s ODI squad, which will play a series of matches in Australia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and a home tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa leading up to the major ICC event.

With Gary Kirsten, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, and Jason Gillespie, red-ball coach, set to observe the tournament, standout performances will be under close scrutiny.

Squad:

PANTHERS: Shadab Khan (captain), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Ahmed Bashir, Amad Butt, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Umar, Mohammad Zeeshan, Mubasir Khan, Rizwan Mehmood, Saim Ayub, Umar Siddiq, Usama Mir and Usman Khan

MARKHORS: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abdul Samad, Akif Javed, Ali Usman, Bismillah Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haseebullah, Iftikhar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Faizan, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Sarwar Afridi, Muhammad Imran, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani and Zahid Mehmood