National T20 cup to kick off tomorrow in Multan

MULTAN: Pakistan’s T20 cricketers will be back in action as the much-awaited National T20 Cup First XI tournament kicks off tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is the first cricket board to organize a complete domestic season during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Comprehensive arrangements have been made in this regard.

Due to the ongoing pandemic and to ensure the health and safety of all competitors, the tournament will be played behind closed doors under strict Covid-19 protocols.

The tournament will be played in two phases: the first one running from 30 September to 6 October in Multan and the second phase to be staged from 9-18 October in Rawalpindi.

With two ACC Asia Cups and ICC Men’s T20 World Cups scheduled for the next two years, this year’s National T20 Cup First XI tournament will be played on double-league basis to provide adequate preparation to the players who are likely to represent the Pakistan men’s national team in these events.

With a coveted trophy and total prize money of Rs.9 million on offer, Northern, who will be led by Shadab Khan until their captain Imad Wasim (currently engaged in the Vitality Blast T20 tournament in the UK) joins the side in Rawalpindi, will be eager to defend their title.

The other five teams will be fighting to secure berths in the final of the tournament, which will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on October 18. Meanwhile, the PCB has named commentary and presenters’ panel for the National T20 Cup.

The renowned Pakistani commentator trio of Ramiz Raja, Bazid Khan, and Wasim Akram will be accompanied by former women captain Sana Mir, former cricketer Marina Iqbal, Test cricketer Azhar Ali, famous Urdu commentator Tariq Saeed, first-class cricketer Shehzar Mohammad, noted commentator and presenter Sikander Bakht in a 14-member bilingual commentary team.

Female Presenter Zainab Abbas will present for eight days, while Tv host Sawera Pasha will host the pre- and post-match shows.