Champions One-Day Cup will be played in Faisalabad from 12-29 September
Lions will try to hunt Stallions in their opener on 13 September at the Iqbal Stadium
Lahore (Mustansar Khan) Pakistan Cricket Board’s Hall of Famer Waqar Younis has been confirmed as mentor of the Lions side for this month’s Champions One-Day Cup, which will be played in Faisalabad from 12-29 September. Additionally, the Lions have been allocated National Cricket Academy for training and practice during the 2024-25 domestic cricket season.
The Lions will open their campaign against Shoaib Malik’s Stallions on 13 September, followed by matches against Panthers (day match), Misbah’s Wolves on 20 September and Dolphins on 22 September.
Waqar Younis (Captained Pakistan in 17 Tests and 62 ODIs; played in three 50-over World Cups; holds the record for fastest to 400 ODI wickets; leads the list of captains with best ODI bowling figures; is one of the bowlers to dismiss all 11 batters in a Test match; was named as one of Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1992; was inducted into the ICC and PCB Hall of Fames in 2013 and 2021, respectively; coached Pakistan in the 2010 and 2016 T20 World Cups and 2011 and 2015 World Cups; last served Pakistan as bowling coach from 2019-2021)
“I am excited about the opportunity to once again contribute to player development. This new role presents a fresh challenge that I embrace with great enthusiasm. Beyond the chance to work with some of the most talented cricketers, there will be a fascinating dynamic among the mentors as each of us will strive to outmaneuver the others.
“This unique format, where every match counts, promises to bring a new level of excitement to the game. Fans can look forward to a thrilling 14-match tournament over 17 days, filled with high-stakes action and memorable moments.
“As for my role, I am committed to sharing as much knowledge and insight as possible with both the coaching staff and the players. My goal is to help them grow into more effective and impactful players, ensuring a bright future for our Lions and the Pakistan cricket team.”
Schedule of the Lions’ matches (Day match will start at 9.30am, day/night matches will begin at 3pm):
13 Sep – Stallions v Lions (d/n)
16 Sep – Lions v Panthers (d)
20 Sep – Lions v Wolves (d/n)
22 Sep – Dolphins v Lions (d/n)
