CPL 2024: Fakhar Zaman to return to Pakistan for Champions Cup domestic tournament

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman is all set to depart from the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2024) to participate in the inaugural Champions One-Day Cup in Pakistan. Zaman, who has been representing the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the CPL, has made a significant impact in his brief stint.

In just two matches, he has scored 83 runs. However, his departure leaves a big void in the Falcons' lineup. Notably, the Champions One-Day Cup, scheduled from September 12 to 29, 2024, at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, is a new initiative by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) under the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi.

This domestic cricket tournament aims to strengthen the country's cricketing talent pool. The goal is to prepare players in the most refined way possible for representing the nation in international competitions in the future. The tournament will consist of five teams, Dolphins, Lions, Panthers, Stallions, and Wolves, each mentored by cricket legends to foster growth and development.

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Pleased to welcome five exceptional champions as mentors: Mohsin Naqvi

While Fakhar Zaman returns to Pakistan, other Pakistani cricketers will continue their CPL engagements. Wicket-keeper batter Azam Khan is expected to remain with his CPL team, as sources indicate he is unlikely to be part of any Champions One-Day Cup squad. Similarly, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, who have retired from ODIs, will continue their CPL participation.

With the addition of legendary players like Waqar Younis, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Sarfaraz Ahmed as team mentors, the Pakistan board is trying to regroup their domestic cricket to bring in fresh talents who go on to represent the national side.

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"I am pleased to welcome five exceptional champions as mentors for the Champions Cup teams. These individuals bring a wealth of cricketing experience, knowledge, and expertise, which, combined with their passion for the game we all love, will help the Pakistan Cricket Board identify, develop, and nurture the next generation of cricketers across all formats. This initiative will not only benefit the Pakistan men's cricket team but also help bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket," PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in a statement.