Over 40s Cricket Global Cup to kick off tomorrow in Karachi

Karachi: The Over 40s Cricket Global Cup will begin tomorrow with a curtain-raiser match between the USA and hosts Pakistan Veterans.

The tournament’s trophy unveiling ceremony took place at a local hotel in Karachi on Monday, followed by a press conference by the Chairman of the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA) Fawad Ijaz.

A significant veterans' cricket competition is being hosted in Pakistan for the first time ever, according to Fawad Ijaz. "International teams are all given tight security,"

When questioned about the tournament's name, he emphasized that it was changed to Global Cup in response to ICC's opposition.

“The tournament was initially named World Cup, however, the International Cricket Council (ICC) raised objections over the name, hence we changed it to the Global Cup, which is sanctioned by the ICC,” he further added.

Fawad Ijaz also shed light on the fact as to why the Indian team is not part of the tournament.

“It is difficult to get the visa for Indian players,” he stated.

The tournament will feature teams from Australia, the West Indies, Canada, Hong Kong, the USA and the UAE. A total of 36 matches will be played at five different grounds in Karachi. Pakistan Team will play all its matches at National Bank Stadium.

Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq will lead Pakistan Veterans, featuring star players Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Sami, Abdul Razzaq and others.

Misbah-ul-Haq also talked to the media and expressed his excitement to play international cricket once again.

“Playing international cricket again is a different experience, however, playing 45 overs will be challenging,” said Misbah-ul-Haq.

“It is good for Pakistan that the tournament is being organized here, as fans love to see their stars in action again,” he further added.

Pakistan Veterans Squad for Over 40s Global Cup

Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Misbah ul Haq, Muhammad Sami, Hassan Raza, Tariq Haroon, Khurram Ali Khan (w.k), Waqas Ahmed, Abdul Qadir, Muhammad Rizwan Aslam, Kashif Sidqque, Muhammad Ilyas, Afzal Shah (w.k), Amjad Ali, Imran Ali, Tassawar Abbas, Adnan Raees, Junaid Khalil Nainitalwala.

Reserves: Yasir Hameed, Haris Ayaz, Shehzad Malik.