Pakistan’s top-order batter, Fakhar Zaman, will not be participating in the remainder of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024. Zaman, who was representing Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, has decided to return to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Cup One-Day competition. The domestic tournament is scheduled to take place from September 12 to 29, 2024, as per reports.
Zaman’s CPL 2024 stint was short-lived, with the left-handed batsman featuring in just three matches. Despite scoring 100 runs at a strike rate of 131.57, his contributions couldn’t help Antigua and Barbuda Falcons secure a victory, as the franchise lost all three games, two of them in last-ball thrillers.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced the Champions Cup as a new domestic List-A competition aimed at enhancing the quality of cricket in the country. Zaman will be a part of one of the five teams in the tournament: Dolphins, Lions, Panthers, Stallions, and Wolves. The PCB’s initiative hopes to provide a platform for players to better prepare for international cricket, especially during transitions within the national team.
Azam Khan and Other Pakistani Players in CPL
While Fakhar Zaman returns home, fellow Pakistani player Azam Khan has been permitted to continue his participation in CPL 2024.
Khan, a wicketkeeper-batsman, received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the T20 league.
He is not expected to be part of any side in the Champions Cup, allowing him to finish the season with his CPL franchise.
On the other hand, players like Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, who have retired from the 50-over format, will also continue their participation in the CPL.
Saim Ayub, another rising star from Pakistan, was retained by Guyana Amazon Warriors but was denied an NOC as he is currently involved in Pakistan’s ongoing home Test series against Bangladesh.
Mentorship and Structure of the Champions Cup
The Champions Cup is an initiative led by the current Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management under Mohsin Naqvi.
The tournament featured former cricket legends as mentors, including Misbah-ul-Haq for the Wolves and Shoaib Malik for Stallions.
Waqar Younis, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Saqlain Mushtaq are also expected to guide the players during the tournament.
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This initiative is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the domestic cricket structure and prepare players for the challenges of international cricket.
The introduction of the Champions Cup reflects the PCB’s commitment to nurturing talent and improving the quality of domestic cricket in Pakistan.
The tournament promises to be a crucial step in preparing players for future international assignments, providing them with the experience and guidance needed to excel at the highest level.
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