Balochistan to take on Punjab in Pakistan Cup opener today

KARACHI: Eyeing places in Pakistan's World Cup squad, national cricketers will put in their best to impress the selectors when Pakistan Cup 2019 explodes into action at the Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi, on Tuesday (today).

In the day-night five-team event, which will conclude on April 12, Kamran Akmal-led Punjab will take on Asad Shafiq-led Balochistan in their opener which will begin at 2pm.

Mohammad Rizwan-led defending champions Federal Areas will open their mission with the outing against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which will be captained by former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt.

Sindh are led by former Test pacer Umar Gul. The tournament carries a total prize money of Rs3.5 million with the winners to collect Rs2 million and the other finalists to take Rs1 million.

General Manager Domestic Cricket PCB Shafiq Ahmed Papa said that the Mughal Steel Pakistan Cup was a great opportunity for players and fans of cricket in Rawalpindi. “The players who do well can come into consideration for a World Cup spot. I also request the people of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to turn up in big numbers and support a top-class tournament," Shafiq said.

Mughal Steel’s Mohammad Sajid unveiled the tournament logo along with Shafiq Ahmed on Monday at the Pindi Stadium during a brief ceremony.

Mohammad Nawaz, who represented Federal Areas in the trophy launch in place of Mohammad Rizwan, who will join the squad on April 3 after his return from UAE where he represented Pakistan in the ODI series against Australia, said that his team was equipped to complete a hat-trick of titles.

“Federal Areas have done very well in the tournament. This time around, we again have a formidable line-up led by our in-form captain Mohammad Rizwan. I am confident that our team can win another title,” Nawaz said.

Balochistan captain Asad Shafiq expressed his excitement at the opportunity of leading the Balochistan side, saying his team was well-balanced and had a good combination for the 50-over format. “We have a very good team, especially for the 50 overs format. The tournament is a big opportunity for all the players to prove their worth,” Asad said.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Salman Butt spoke about the pride of leading his side in the tournament. “It’s an honour to lead the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa team in what is a prestigious tournament. Pakistan Cup is a very competitive event and I am looking forward to gelling-in with my players. We are hoping to give our best and eyeing a win,” he said.

Punjab captain Kamran Akmal backed his squad’s potential to lift the trophy. “We have a well-balanced squad with capable batsmen and bowlers. We have a good combination for the tournament and we really want to perform well,” Kamran said.

Sindh captain Umar Gul was hopeful of creating history by leading his side to a maiden title. “I really like the Pakistan Cup. It is one of our leading 50-over competitions. I have good understanding with most of the players and as a captain, as a leader, I have full confidence in my team.”

In the inaugural edition in 2016, played in Faisalabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa defeated Punjab by five wickets in the final. Ahmed Shehzad, who represented Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was the leading run-getter with 373 runs (one century and two half-centuries). Sindh’s Mohammad Amir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Zohaib Khan were the joint-leading wicket-takers with 11 wickets apiece.

Federal Areas lifted the silverware in 2017 in Rawalpindi and in 2018 in Faisalabad. In 2017, Mohammad Hafeez of Federal Area topped the batting chart with 362 runs (one century and two half-centuries), while Balochistan’s Aamer Yamin finished as the leading wicket-taker with nine wickets. In 2018, Khurram Manzoor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the most successful batsman with 393 runs (two centuries and a half-century), while Waqas Maqsood of Federal Areas topped the bowling list with 14 wickets.

The five sides for the 2019 tournament have been chosen by the national selection committee, which is headed by Inzamam-ul-Haq. Players who have been playing regular and consistent cricket for the Pakistan cricket team have not been included as part of the selectors’ policy of providing them sufficient rest prior to the tour of England which will immediately be followed by the World Cup to be held from May 30 to July 14.

The two leading sides will qualify for the final. Fixtures: April 2: Punjab v Balochistan; April 3: Federal Areas v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; April 4: Balochistan v Sindh; April 5: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Punjab; April 6: Sindh v Federal Areas; April 7: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Balochistan; April 8: Punjab v Federal Areas; April 9: Sindh v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; April 10: Federal Areas v Balochistan; 11 April: Punjab v Sindh, April 12: Final.