FAISALABAD – Mohammad Haris will step into the role of Stallions skipper for the Champions One-Day Cup, joining forces with mentor Shoaib Malik.
The Stallions will kick off their tournament campaign against Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Lions on Friday, 13 September, with the match scheduled to begin at 3 pm (local time).
Haris assessed his squad as being particularly strong and is fully aware of the high expectations as the tournament gets underway.
“It is an honour to lead the star-studded Stallions in the Champions One-Day Cup. We have a strong squad, featuring some of the biggest names in Pakistan cricket, which naturally raises the expectations from the fans,” he said.
With Shoaib Malik, a former Pakistan and Stallions captain, acting as a mentor, Haris acknowledged the legacy left by Malik and the team over the years in various domestic seasons. He aimed to uphold that legacy by setting high standards as they prepare for their first of four league matches on 13 September.
“The Stallions have a rich legacy of winning in Pakistan’s domestic cricket. With the talent and resources we have at our disposal, I assure you that we will entertain both the crowds in the stadium and the television audiences during the tournament.”
Haris is also mindful of the challenges ahead, given the high-calibre competition in the Champions One-Day Cup, which features some of the best players in the country.
“The Champions One-Day Cup is exciting in every sense. All the teams are strong, the conditions are challenging, and the 50-over format will truly test our abilities. I hope the fans in Faisalabad come out in large numbers to enjoy the tournament.”
Shaheen Shah Afridi, the two-time HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) winning captain, will lead the Lions in the Champions One-Day Cup. As the towering left-arm pacer prepares for this new challenge, he reflects on what lies ahead for both him and his team as they enter the tournament under the mentorship of former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis.
“Leading the Lions will be a thrilling experience for me, especially given the high stakes of the Champions One-Day Cup and the presence of several young and exciting players on our roster. I look forward to giving my best to the team — with the ball, the bat, and through my leadership throughout the tournament,” said Shaheen.
Shaheen fondly recalled his debut in the domestic One-Day Cup back in 2018, when he burst onto the scene as a teenage prodigy.
“I have great memories of playing the One-Day Cup in Faisalabad as an 18-year-old in 2018. Returning here as captain with a wealth of international experience feels surreal. I’m committed to helping create memorable experiences for all the young players on our team.”
Speaking about the intensity of the competition, Shaheen emphasised the importance of preparation in the Champions One-Day Cup.
“Our opening game is against a strong Stallions squad, which shows the level of competition we will face game after game. That’s why I firmly believe our preparations must be spot-on so we can hit the ground running.”
