In a significant move for Pakistan’s domestic cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the captains for the inaugural Champions One-Day Cup, set to take place from September 12 to 29, 2024. This new tournament, aimed at revitalizing the 50-over format, will see five teams led by prominent Pakistan internationals: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lions), Mohammad Rizwan (Wolves), Shadab Khan (Panthers), Saud Shakeel (Dolphins), and Mohammad Haris (Stallions).
Interestingly, Babar Azam, the current captain of the national white-ball team, has been overlooked for a captaincy role in this high-profile competition. This decision has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, especially considering his stature in the team.
A Fresh Start for Mohammad Haris
Mohammad Haris’ appointment as captain of the Stallions is particularly noteworthy. Chosen by the team’s mentor, Shoaib Malik, Haris’ selection marks a surprising return to favor with the PCB after a year of absence from ODI cricket. His last appearance for Pakistan was a year ago, and he was notably excluded from the World Cup squad. Additionally, during Wahab Riaz’s tenure as chief selector, Haris lost his place in the T20 side, making his captaincy a remarkable turnaround.
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Despite these setbacks, Haris will lead a talented squad that includes Babar Azam, who serves as the white-ball captain for Pakistan, as well as his teammate from Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). This dynamic could provide an interesting narrative as they compete together in the Champions One-Day Cup.
PCB’s Commitment to High-Profile Participation
The PCB has taken significant steps to ensure maximum participation from its top players in this tournament. With no international commitments coinciding with the competition, nearly every fit centrally contracted player is set to participate, making it a showcase of Pakistan’s cricketing talent.
During the unveiling of the tournament’s mentors, Misbah-ul-Haq, who will lead the Wolves, emphasized the importance of fitness, stating that any unfit players would be excluded from the competition. This strict policy has already led to the omission of several players, including former opener Sharjeel Khan.
Tournament Format and Schedule
All matches of the Champions One-Day Cup will be held in Faisalabad, with the tournament running from September 12 to 29. Unlike previous domestic competitions, this tournament will feature a playoff format instead of traditional semi-finals, concluding just eight days before the first Test between Pakistan and England.
Each team has announced extended squad lists, which will be finalized by September 10. The teams are named after historical associations with previous domestic cup sides, with the Lions representing Lahore, the Dolphins for Karachi, the Panthers for Peshawar, the Wolves for Faisalabad, and the Stallions for Sialkot.
Sarfaraz Ahmed stands out as the only player-mentor, leading the Dolphins, while Misbah, Malik, Saqlain Mushtaq (Panthers), and Waqar Younis (Lions) will mentor the other teams.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on how these captains lead their teams and whether Babar Azam’s absence from a leadership role will impact his performance in the competition. The Champions One-Day Cup promises to be an exciting showcase of Pakistan’s cricketing prowess, with fans eager to see how the new format and leadership dynamics unfold.
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