Islamabad, 5 September 2024 (TDI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Thursday that the Dolphins team, based at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre in Karachi, will have two-time ICC Event winner Sarfaraz Ahmed as their mentor.
Dolphins is one of the five teams taking part in the Champions One-Day Cup, which will begins in Faisalabad from September 12.
On September 14, the Dolphins will take on Saqlain Mushtaq’s Panthers. On September 17, Misbah-ul-Haq’s Wolves, on September 19, Shoaib Malik’s Stallions, and on September 22, Waqar Younis’ Lions will play.
The top 150 cricket players in the nation will compete in the Champions One-Day Cup. The event is set to take place in a single-league format and is a 50-over competition. All games will start at 3pm, with the exception of the Lions vs. Panthers game on September 16, which will kick off at 9.30am.
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The final is scheduled for Sunday, September 29, after three playoff games spread over four days.
Sarfaraz Ahmed led Pakistan to the top of the ICC T20I Team Rankings; he captained his country to victories in the ICC U19 World Cup in 2006 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017.
Additionally, he was a part of the Pakistani team that won the ACC Asia Cup in 2012.
He became the first wicketkeeper-batter to score a World Cup century in a match against Ireland in Adelaide in 2015; he holds the record for the most dismissals in an ODI (all six catches).
Sarfaraz Ahmed is only second wicket-keeper to have captained his side in 50 or more ODIs; he is ranked 17th among ODI wicket-keepers with 2,000 runs and 100 dismissals; and he participated in two 50-over and one T20 World Cups.
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Sarfaraz said, “I am really looking forward to leading a highly regarded Dolphins team in what should be an intensely competitive and hard-fought event. I am looking forward to learning and honing my talents as a professional cricket player as this would be a new experience for me.”
“With the Dolphins, with whom I have played in some of the most memorable games, I am entirely dedicated to this position and excited to contribute in a significant way.” Sarfaraz remarked.
Sarfaraz Ahmed also stated, “I have no doubt that this Champions One-Day Cup will surpass the hopes of the Pakistan Cricket Board and the ardent supporters of Pakistan cricket, whose unwavering support is always vital, with the finest players and coaches in the nation overseen by seasoned former stalwarts serving as mentors. This competition will be a huge success because I think every player will give it their all.”
The Dolphins’ schedule, which includes all games starting at 3 p.m. is as following:
- Dolphins vs. Panthers on September 14
- Dolphins vs. Wolves on September 17
- Dolphins vs. Stallions on September 19
- Dolphins vs. Lions on September 22
