National Champions Cup Begins August 11 in Multan
News Desk
Islamabad: With an eye on the upcoming international challenges, Pakistan’s domestic cricket is set to enter a new phase as the National Champions Cup brings together some of the country’s top white-ball talent under one roof.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the schedule and squads for the one-day tournament, which will serve as a crucial preparation platform ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season and the ICC Men’s World Cup campaign.
The tournament will be held at the Multan Cricket Stadium from August 11 to 18, featuring seven day-night matches, including the final. All matches will begin at 3pm, providing players with valuable experience in conditions similar to international ODI cricket.
Four Teams, One Goal
The National Selection Committee has divided the players into four teams, Pakistan Greens, Pakistan Gold, Pakistan Whites and Pakistan Blues, with each side featuring a mix of established stars and emerging performers.
The teams will be led by some of Pakistan’s most prominent white-ball cricketers, with Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan named as captains.
The coaching responsibilities have also been assigned to experienced former players, with Ijaz Junior, Misbah-ul-Haq, Iqbal Imam and Aizaz Cheema appointed as head coaches.
Big Names Ready for Multan Challenge
Several leading Pakistan players will feature in the tournament, making it a key selection opportunity ahead of future ODI assignments.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s side includes Abdul Samad, Haider Ali, Moaz Sadaqat and Muhammad Nawaz, while Sahibzada Farhan’s team features players such as Arafat Minhas, Hassan Ali, Shamil Hussain, Sufyan Muqim and Hussain Talat.
Saim Ayub’s team will have the services of Ali Raza, Haris Rauf, Hassan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Wasim Junior and Usman Khan, whereas Shadab Khan’s squad includes Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hasnain, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah and Sameer Minhas.
The PCB has also announced 13 reserve players, who can be included in squads in case of injuries or concussion replacements.
A Test of Roles, Not Just Results
National Selection Committee member Aqib Javed said the focus of the tournament is to give players maximum exposure in ODI cricket and allow them to perform according to their designated roles.
The competition is expected to provide selectors with a closer look at Pakistan’s batting depth, bowling options and all-round balance as the team looks to build a stronger squad for future international challenges.
Beyond winning the trophy, the National Champions Cup will be a platform where emerging players can make their case and established names can prove their readiness for Pakistan’s ODI plans.
