Champions T20 Cup: A Key Platform for T20 Style
News Desk
Islamabad: Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed believes that the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup presents an ideal opportunity for his Engro Dolphins squad to embrace the aggressive T20 style prevalent at the international level.
The event, which starts on 7 December at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, is a continuation of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s efforts to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket standards. It follows the success of the Champions One-Day Cup held in Faisalabad earlier this year.
The Engro Dolphins will compete alongside four other teams: Allied Bank Stallions, Lake City Panthers, Nurpur Lions, and UMT Markhors. The tournament, played on a double-league basis, will conclude on 25 December.
Sarfaraz, who has captained Pakistan in 37 T20Is with a win ratio of 78.37%, sees this competition as a chance to instill his knowledge of the game’s fast-paced nature into his players. He hopes his squad will play with the same intensity and fearlessness seen at the international level.
“The PCB has been providing excellent opportunities to young players, and I hope they will learn to play T20 cricket with robustness and fearlessness,” said Sarfaraz.
While the Dolphins finished last in the Champions One-Day Cup, Sarfaraz remains optimistic about player development. He pointed out that players like Sufyan Moqim and Qasim Akram have made significant strides and are now representing Pakistan in various formats.
Sarfaraz likened his players to the Dolphins, known for their intelligence and speed, and hopes they will embrace these qualities on the field. “I want my players to live up to the qualities of Dolphins—curious, fast learners, and self-aware—especially at the wonderful Rawalpindi Stadium.”
The Dolphins’ squad blends youth and experience, with fast bowler Ihsanullah as one of the star attractions. After a two-year injury layoff, Sarfaraz hopes the medical panel will clear Ihsanullah to play. “We all want him to make a strong comeback,” Sarfaraz said.
Batter Saud Shakeel is expected to anchor the team’s lineup, supported by power hitters like Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Umar Amin, and newcomer Mirza Tahir Baig. Wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Akhlaq will also be key in the slog overs.
Sarfaraz emphasized the importance of proper power-hitting. “I want my batters to adopt real power-hitting in the true sense of the word, not just slogging,” he explained.
The Dolphins’ bowling attack will be led by Salman Irshad, with support from Faheem Ashraf, rising star Kashif Ali, Khubaib Khalil, and Shayan Sheikh.
“We are preparing well for the tournament and expect to spring some surprises,” Sarfaraz added.
Schedule of Engro Dolphins’ Matches (all at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium):
8 Dec – vs Lake City Panthers (12:00 PM)
10 Dec – vs UMT Markhors (12:00 PM)
12 Dec – vs Nurpur Lions (3:30 PM)
13 Dec – vs ABL Stallions (11:00 AM)
16 Dec – vs Lake City Panthers (12:00 PM)
18 Dec – vs UMT Markhors (12:00 PM)
20 Dec – vs Nurpur Lions (3:30 PM)
21 Dec – vs ABL Stallions (3:30 PM)
