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PCB Champions Cup 2026: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made significant changes to the format of its domestic 50-over tournament, the 'Champions Cup', to strengthen preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The tournament aims to prepare players for the ODI format and provide them with adequate match practice.
Pakistan Champions Cup Schedule and Venue Details
The tournament will be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium from August 11 to August 18. The PCB had revamped this tournament two years ago as well, but this time it has been specifically tailored to align with ODI preparations.
PCB Champions Cup: Tournament Format Breakdown
The tournament has been designed to be highly competitive and concise:
- Total Teams: 4 (Pakistan Gold, Pakistan Greens, Pakistan Whites, and Pakistan Blues).
- Format: Round-Robin all four teams will play one match against each other.
- Final: The final will be played on August 18 between the top two teams on the points table.
- Team Selection Basis: Teams have been formed keeping the players' specific roles in ODI cricket in mind.
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Champions Cup Team Captains List
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- Pakistan Gold: Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Pakistan Greens: Shadab Khan
- Pakistan Whites: Saim Ayub
- Pakistan Blues: Sahibzada Farhan
Key Players Missing the Champions Cup
- Test Players Unavailable: Selected players will not participate in this tournament due to the three-match Test series against England starting on August 19.
- Abrar Ahmed: Unavailable due to his participation in 'The Hundred' league.
PCB Focuses on 2027 ODI World Cup Preparation
According to PCB High-Performance Director Aaqib Javed, the primary objective is to provide players with adequate match practice. Following the team's disappointing performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, the PCB aims to build a strong squad for the 2027 World Cup through this new format.
