Saud Shakeel looks forward to Champions One Day Cup

The Dolphins skipper says, "This tournament gives the players a chance to show off their skills and impress the selectors to get selected in the national team."

The vice captain of the Pakistani Test team is ready to guide the Dolphins in the Champions One-Day Cup, which begins on Thursday, September 12 at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. On September 29, there will be a final for the five-team season-opening competition. With the exception of the match on September 16, all games will start at 3 p.m. local time.

On Saturday, September 14, the Dolphins, led by former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, will play Shadab Khan's Panthers, coached by former off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq.

The 29-year-old Saud, who has played in 15 ODIs for Pakistan, discussed the makeup of his team and how Sarfaraz Ahmed's coaching background can benefit them in the competition.

"The emphasis is on maintaining a strong combination of experienced players and young talent," Saud told PCB Digital, stating that "we have a well-balanced side going into the Champions One-Day Cup." Players can use this competition as a chance to show selectors how good they are and earn a spot on the national squad.

"We are greatly aided by having Sarfaraz Ahmed on the team as a mentor and player. Young athletes will benefit from his leadership and in-depth knowledge as they advance their careers.

Speaking about the significance of the competition's debut, Saud declared: "This Champions One-Day Cup debut will be critical for Pakistani domestic cricket."

It provides players with a significant platform to demonstrate their abilities, particularly in the 50-over format, which is essential given the impending international matches. Fans will be able to attend in large numbers to celebrate the performances of their favorite players in what promises to be a heated competition.

The Dolphins' roster, which will be reduced to 15 players, consists of the following: Karachi captain Saud Shakeel, Aftab Ibrahim, Asif Ali from Faisalabad, Awais Ali from Gujranwala, Faheem Ashraf from Kasur, Kashif Ali from Rawalpindi, Mir Hamza from Karachi, Mohammad Huraira from Sialkot, Mohammad Abbas Afridi from Peshawar, Muhammad Akhlaq from Kamoki, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori from Karachi, Muhammad Riazullah from Peshawar, Noman Ali from Hyderabad, Qasim Akram from Lahore, Sameen Gul from Jamrud, Sarfaraz Ahmed from Karachi, Sahibzada Farhan from Peshawar, Sufiyan Moqim from Kotli, and Usman Qadir from Lahore

Sarfaraz Ahmed, mentor

The Dolphins' schedule (matches begin at 3 p.m.):

Dolphins against. Panthers, Sep. 14

Dolphins vs. Wolves, Sep. 17

19 September: Dolphins vs. Stallions

Dolphins vs. Lions, Sep. 22