The much-anticipated Champions One-Day Cup 2024, a showcase of Pakistan’s cricketing talent, is set to commence on September 12 at the historic Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. Featuring 150 of the country’s finest cricketers, this 50-over tournament promises high-intensity cricket over 18 days, culminating in the grand final on Sunday, September 29.
Tournament Overview
Organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Champions One-Day Cup will follow a single-league format, where each of the five teams—Wolves, Panthers, Stallions, Lions, and Dolphins—will face off against one another. Matches will predominantly begin at 3 PM, creating an ideal evening spectacle for cricket fans across the nation. The exception is the 16 September clash between Lions and Panthers, which will start at 9:30 AM to accommodate the live broadcast of a T20I match between Pakistan’s women and South Africa.
The tournament opens with an exciting match between the Wolves and the Panthers on September 12, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying competition.
Key Dates and Schedule
The tournament’s schedule is carefully planned to provide non-stop action, with matches nearly every day leading up to the playoffs. Here’s a detailed look at the match schedule:
- 12 Sep: Wolves vs Panthers
- 13 Sep: Stallions vs Lions
- 14 Sep: Dolphins vs Panthers
- 15 Sep: Wolves vs Stallions
- 16 Sep: Lions vs Panthers (9:30 AM Start)
- 17 Sep: Dolphins vs Wolves
- 19 Sep: Stallions vs Dolphins
- 20 Sep: Lions vs Wolves
- 21 Sep: Panthers vs Stallions
- 22 Sep: Dolphins vs Lions
- 24 Sep: Qualifier (Team No.1 vs Team No. 2)
- 25 Sep: Eliminator 1 (Team No.3 vs Team No.4)
- 27 Sep: Eliminator 2 (Losing Qualifier vs Winning Eliminator 1)
- 29 Sep: Final
All matches will be held at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, renowned for its rich history in hosting major cricket events.
Team Mentors and Squads
The PCB has announced five champion mentors who will guide these teams throughout the tournament. Although the 15-player squads are yet to be revealed, the involvement of these seasoned mentors is expected to bring strategic depth and experience to each team. The announcement of the full squads is highly anticipated and will undoubtedly add to the excitement surrounding the tournament.
Playoff Structure
The Champions One-Day Cup features a unique playoff system with three critical matches leading up to the final. The top two teams from the league stage will compete in the Qualifier on September 24, with the winner securing a direct spot in the final. The third and fourth-placed teams will face off in Eliminator 1 on September 25, and the winner will play the losing team from the Qualifier in Eliminator 2 on September 27. The victor of this match will earn the second spot in the final.
Significance of the Tournament
The Champions One-Day Cup is more than just a tournament; it is a platform for emerging cricketers to showcase their talent and stake their claim for a spot in the national team. With Pakistan’s cricketing future in the balance, this event is seen as a critical step in identifying and nurturing the next generation of cricket stars.