Saud Shakeel, the captain of the Dolphins, is set to lead his team in the upcoming Champions One-Day Cup under the mentorship of Sarfaraz Ahmed, which will be held at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium from September 12 to 22.
The 29-year-old batter expressed optimism about his team’s prospects in an interview with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Digital, highlighting the role of former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who will serve as both player and mentor.
“Having Sarfaraz on board is a huge advantage for us,” Saud remarked. “His experience and leadership, both on and off the field, will be crucial in helping our younger players improve their skills.”
Shakeel emphasized the Dolphins’ well-balanced squad, which features a mix of seasoned cricketers and emerging talent. “This tournament gives us a chance to showcase our abilities.
It’s an important platform, especially for younger players looking to catch the selectors’ eye for potential national team inclusion,” he noted.
The left-handed batter also underscored the significance of the tournament for Pakistan’s domestic cricket landscape.
“This competition provides a stage for players to demonstrate their capabilities in the 50-over format, which is crucial with upcoming international fixtures on the horizon,” he added, stressing the importance of fan support in energizing the tournament atmosphere.
The Champions One-Day Cup is expected to be a fierce competition and it is scheduled from September 12 to September 29.