Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad is gearing up to host the star-studded Champions One-Day Cup starting September 12. The opening game will feature the UMT (University of Management and Technology) Markhors, formerly known as Wolves, against the Panthers.
Mohammad Rizwan will lead the UMT Markhors under Misbah-ul-Haq’s mentorship, while Shadab Khan will captain the Panthers, coached by Saqlain Mushtaq. The tournament leads to a hefty prize pool of Rs49 million, and on September 29, Rs30 million will be awarded to the winner and Rs15 million to the runner-up.
The competition heats up on Friday with Mohammad Haris’ Allied Bank Stallions facing Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Nurpur Lions. The action continues on Saturday with Saud Shakeel’s Dolphins playing against Shadab Khan’s Panthers.
All five teams have spent the past five days in Faisalabad, engaging in rigorous training for this premiere tournament that showcases the nation’s top cricket talent.
This tournament is strategically planned for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025, offering players a platform to impress selectors and secure spots in the national team for upcoming ODIs.
