The much-awaited Cool & Cool-Haier Pakistan Cup 2016 is starting in Faisalabad from Tuesday (April 19) with a mouth-watering clash between Brighto Paints Balochistan and Cookania Cake Rusk Punjab. The tournament is a part of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)'s efforts to further improve the quality of domestic cricket in the country. In total, 11 50-over matches will be played at the Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad with the country's top cricketers showcasing their skills.
Each team will play four league matches before the top two teams qualify to play the final on Sunday (1st May). Player remunerations have been increased by 100% for the tournament with a key focus on ensuring player welfare. Weekend clashes are set to attract fan interest as Sarfaraz Ahmed's Inverex Sindh takes on Misbah ul Haq's ZIC Islamabad on Saturday. Sunday's clash between Younus Khan's Giggly Boom Boom Bubble Gum Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Brighto Paints Balochistan is also going to attract keen interest from cricket-lovers.
Pakistan's T20 skipper Sarfraz Ahmed believes that the tournament will be a huge stepping stone for young cricketers. "We have a great chance to polish our 50-over skills ahead of a long season. It is great to see these innovations and I am confident that the youngsters are looking forward to this," said Sarfraz who is also leading the Sindh side.
National ODI captain Azhar Ali, who is leading a strong Balochistan side, also threw his weight behind the tournament. "Pakistan Cup is going to provide quality entertainment to cricket fans. All five squads are evenly balanced and this will ensure competitive cricket," stated Azhar.