The Azadi Cup 2018 has officially kicked off from in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where Peshawar Blues defeated the Nowshera Blues by 26 runs in the opening game of the tournament.

The tournament will take place from 7th August-14th August 2018 in which teams from across the the province will compete against each other with more thousand of cricketers in action.

The opening ceremony and the matches were held in Arbab Niaz Stadium, Peshawar. The Head Coach of Peshawar Zalmi, Muhammad Akram was also present during the event. He applauded the efforts of the youngsters out there.

He further added that "Peshawar Zalmi and Zalmi Foundation are working relentlessly to promote cricket at the grass root level and are playing a very important role in this. After the successful execution of Zalmi Talent Hunt, Haier Zalmi 100 Pitches Project and Zalmi School League, the Zalmi Azadi Cup appears to be a great opportunity for the youth to showcase their talents."

In his message, Chairman of the Zalmi Group Javed Afridi stated that after the successful launch of Zalmi Talent Hunt, Haier Zalmi 100 Pitches Project, Zalmi Madrasa League and Zalmi School League, the Azadi Cup will not only provide a platform to the youngsters but also produce quality cricketers for the nation.

The launch of Azadi Cup is a gift to the nation and people of KP from Peshawar Zalmi on the auspicious time of Independence Fever, he added.