The trophy for the IMC Over-40 T20 tournament was unveiled at a media briefing held at a local hotel in Karachi, signaling the start of a historic competition that gets under way tomorrow. Pakistan has been named host of the first-ever T20-format Over-40 World Cup organized by the International Masters Cricket Council, a moment that local organisers say highlights the country’s growing role in veterans cricket.
Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association Chairman Fawad Ijaz Khan addressed the briefing and thanked key partners for their support, citing the Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, law enforcement and security institutions, and tournament sponsors for their cooperation in delivering the event on home soil.
The Over-40 World Cup will bring together 12 international teams including Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, USA, Canada, Hong Kong, UAE, Rest of the World and Rest of Gulf in a schedule of 42 matches. Matches are set across five Karachi venues: Southend Club Cricket Stadium, National Bank Stadium, Karachi Gymkhana Cricket Ground, NBP Sports Complex and DHA Sports Club, with all of Pakistan’s fixtures as well as the semi-finals and final taking place at National Bank Stadium.
An 18-member Pakistan squad has been announced with former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq as captain, Fawad Alam as vice-captain and veteran match-winner Shahid Afridi adding star power. The squad also features experienced campaigners such as Zulfiqar Babar, Sohail Khan, Tabish Khan and Humayun Farhat, a mix organisers say will represent Pakistan’s depth in veterans cricket.
The tournament technical setup includes former Test cricketer Ajaz Ahmed Faquih serving as Chief Selector and as a member of the Tournament Technical Committee, with Jalaluddin named Head Coach. Legendary batsman Javed Miandad will act as team mentor while Azam Khan serves as team manager. For the first time in the event’s history, women umpires on the IMC panel will also officiate matches, a development welcomed by organisers as a positive step for the sport.
