All roads lead to Iqbal Stadium this Thursday as the highly anticipated Champions One-Day Cup kicks off in grand fashion. In the opening match of the tournament, Markhors, captained by Mohammad Rizwan, will go head-to-head with Shadab Khan’s Panthers. With live coverage set to begin at 3pm, the match promises to be a thrilling curtain-raiser for what will be a star-studded tournament.
The tournament, now branded as the Bahria Town Champions One-Day Cup, will see five teams vying for glory over the next 15 days. The total prize pool stands at an impressive PKR 49 million, with the winners taking home PKR 30 million and the runners-up bagging PKR 15 million.
Markhors, formerly known as the Wolves, have undergone a transformation, with veteran cricketer Misbah-ul-Haq serving as their mentor. Mohammad Rizwan, a stalwart in both domestic and international cricket, will lead the side. “This tournament is crucial for both emerging and established cricketers to make their mark,” said Rizwan, expressing his eagerness for his side to perform. “Our squad is packed with talent, and we’re ready to entertain the Faisalabad crowd.”
On the other side, the Panthers, will be captained by Pakistan’s star all-rounder Shadab Khan, with spin legend Saqlain Mushtaq as their mentor. Shadab is keen for his side to make an impact, stating, “We’ve trained hard, and it’s time to translate that into wins. This tournament sets the tone for the rest of the season, and we’re ready to rise to the challenge.”
Star Power and High Stakes
The Champions One-Day Cup isn’t just about silverware. With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, standout performers in this competition will have a golden opportunity to strengthen their case for national selection. Pakistan’s upcoming cricket calendar includes key international tours to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, along with a home tri-series featuring New Zealand and South Africa, making this a pivotal season for players looking to make their mark.
Adding further gravitas to the competition, Gary Kirsten, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, will be observing the tournament, while red-ball coach Jason Gillespie will join later to monitor players’ performances in this high-stakes environment.
Match Schedule and Broadcast
The opening clash between Markhors and Panthers will be followed by another heavyweight contest on Friday, as Stallions, led by the dynamic Mohammad Haris, take on Lions, captained by the fiery Shaheen Shah Afridi. On Saturday, the Panthers return to action to face Saud Shakeel’s Dolphins.
Live broadcast will be available on national sports channels, while fans can also stream the action on platforms like Tamasha, Tapmad, and myco. North American viewers can catch the games on Willow TV.
Teams and Squads
The tournament features five teams, each packed with a blend of established and emerging stars, making every match an exciting affair. Here’s a look at the teams:
- Markhors (Mentor: Misbah-ul-Haq): Led by Mohammad Rizwan, the Markhors boast key players such as Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Shahnawaz Dahani, giving them both experience and firepower in all departments.
- Panthers (Mentor: Saqlain Mushtaq): Shadab Khan’s Panthers feature rising stars like Saim Ayub, Haider Ali, and Usman Khan, along with wicket-takers like Mohammad Hasnain and Usama Mir.
- Stallions (Mentor: Shoaib Malik): Mohammad Haris will lead a powerful lineup that includes Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.
- Lions (Mentor: Waqar Younis): Shaheen Afridi’s Lions are packed with firepower, with names like Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, and Aamir Jamal forming the core of the team.
- Dolphins (Mentor: Sarfaraz Ahmed): Led by Saud Shakeel, the Dolphins feature a balanced squad with Mir Hamza, Qasim Akram, and Asif Ali among the key players.
Opening Clash: What to Expect
The Markhors vs Panthers match promises to be a fascinating duel. Both teams have been in Faisalabad for the past week, fine-tuning their strategies and sharpening their skills. For the Markhors, Rizwan’s leadership combined with Misbah’s tactical acumen will be vital. With players like Fakhar Zaman, Shahnawaz Dahani, and Naseem Shah in their ranks, they boast a lineup that can strike a perfect balance between aggressive batting and deadly bowling.
The Panthers, however, are no pushovers. Shadab Khan is known for his tactical nous, and with firepower across both batting and bowling, including the talents of Saim Ayub, Haider Ali, and Usama Mir, they are well-equipped to give the Markhors a run for their money.
Both captains have emphasized the importance of consistency and teamwork. “The tournament is going to be fiercely contested, and every match will be crucial,” said Rizwan. Shadab echoed the sentiment, adding, “We need to bring our A-game to every match, and that starts today.”
What’s at Stake?
With the tournament format allowing only the top-four teams to progress to the playoffs, every game is crucial. The opening clash will set the tone for the rest of the competition, and both the Markhors and Panthers will be keen to get off to a winning start.
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