Imran Nazir back in action as Patron’s Trophy Grade II begins today

KARACHI: Test cricketer Imran Nazir, having battled arthritis for five years, will be seen in action when Patron’s Trophy Grade-II commences on Sunday (today).

Imran, who has played eight Tests and 79 One-day Internationals for Pakistan, will flex his muscles while representing Sabir’s Poultry in the second-tier event.

As many as 16 outfits will feature in the three-day event which will be held at eight different centres.

All matches, except the final, which will be played from May 1-4 at Pindi Cricket Stadium, will be three-day non first-class fixtures.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the 16 teams have been divided into four pools, with the pool-toppers progressing to the semi-finals to be played at the Diamond Cricket Ground and Pindi Cricket Stadium from April 27-29.

The Pool A carries Civil Association Authority, Haideri Traders, Navy and Omar Associates. All its matches will be played in Karachi at National Bank Complex, State Bank ground and UBL Sports Complex.

The Pool B has Candyland, Capital Development Authority, Ghani Glass and Port Qasim Authority. Its matches will be split between Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, and R Naveed Academy, Sheikhupura.

Army, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and State Bank of Pakistan form Pool C whose matches will be played at Army Cricket Ground and Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad.

The Pool D has K-Electric, Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Railways and Sabir’s Poultry. Its matches will be played in Lahore at LCCA Ground and Railways Stadium.

In the first round, starting from Sunday (today), Omar Associates face Haideri Traders here at the SBP Sports Complex; CAA meet Navy here at the UBL Sports Complex; Port Qasim will take on Candyland at the Rana Naveed Academy; CDA will lock horns with Ghani Glass at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad; Army meet State Bank at Army Cricket Ground; PAF face PIA at the Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad; Railways meet KPT at Railways Stadium, Lahore; and K-Electric meet Sabir’s Poultry at the LCCA Ground, Lahore.

Some discarded Test cricketers will also be seen in action in the competitions which is the last event of the current season.