KARACHI: The country’s six cricket associations’ sides will vie for the domestic 50-over honours over the next three weeks in the Pakistan Cup, which starts on Saturday.

The tournament kicks off with defending champions Balochistan taking on Quaid-i-Azam Trophy winners Northern at the NBP Sports Complex. With One-day International being the focus for Pakistan ahead of next year’s World Cup in India, the Pakistan Cup will provide the perfect stage for domestic players to perform and win a place in the national side.

The competition will be held on a double-league basis with the top four sides making it to the semi-finals. The final will be played on Jan 3.

Pakistan international Aamir Yamin will captain Central Punjab, while Khalid Usman will lead Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Omair Bin Yousaf will lead Sindh whereas Test fast bowler Hasan Ali has been handed the captaincy reins of Southern Punjab.

Meanwhile, Cricket Associations Challenge, the one-day event for second XI sides, will also start from Saturday with last year’s winners Sindh playing Southern Punjab here at the TMC Ground in Karachi.

Published in Dawn, December 10th, 2022