President’s Cup One-Day Tournament Begins on October 3

LAHORE: The excitement in the cricketing world is palpable as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced that the President’s Cup One-Day tournament is set to kick off on 3 October. This much-anticipated event will take place across five cities, bringing together nine departmental cricket teams to compete for glory.

The tournament will feature a series of matches, with the two semi-finals scheduled for 13 and 14 October. The grand finale will be held on 16 October, promising a thrilling conclusion to the competition. All matches will be played during the day, with the first ball expected to be bowled at 9:30 AM. The specific venues and start times for the semi-finals and final will be announced in due course, keeping fans eagerly awaiting further details.

In terms of rewards, the tournament boasts a prize pot of PKR7.75 million. The winning team will take home PKR5 million, while the runners-up will receive PKR2.5 million. This financial incentive adds an extra layer of competitiveness to the tournament, motivating teams to perform at their best.

The teams are divided into two groups. Group A consists of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). Meanwhile, Group B includes Eshaal Associates, Ghani Glass, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Pakistan Television (PTV), and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL). Notably, SNGPL, the defending champions from the previous edition of the President’s Cup, will kick off their campaign against Ghani Glass on 3 October at Saeed Sports City Bedian in Lahore.

Group A matches will be held in Abbottabad, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi, while Group B matches are set to take place in Faisalabad and Lahore. This geographical spread ensures that cricket fans across the country will have the opportunity to witness the action live.

As the tournament approaches, the anticipation among players and fans alike continues to build. The President’s Cup not only showcases the talent of departmental teams but also serves as a platform for players to shine and potentially catch the eye of national selectors. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to a month filled with thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.

The President’s Cup One-Day tournament promises to be an exciting event in the cricket calendar. As teams prepare to battle it out for the coveted title, fans are encouraged to support their favorite teams and enjoy the spirit of cricket that unites the nation. With the tournament just around the corner, it is time to gear up for some exhilarating cricket action!