QUETTA: Pakistan’s national cricket team, current and former stars, will feature in the All-Pakistan Chief Minister (CM) Balochistan Gold Cup Cricket Tournament, which will start from September 1.
Advisor to the Chief Minister on Sports and Youth Affairs, Meena Majeed Baloch, said that the second edition of the All-Pakistan Chief Minister Balochistan Gold Cup Cricket Tournament will kick off in Quetta on September 1, with the grand final scheduled for September 14 at Bugti Cricket Stadium.
National team opener Kamran Ghulam, fast bowler Ihsanullah, and former all-rounder Rana Tanveer, among others, will be seen in action in the mega provincial-level tournament.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs Durra Baloch, Director General of Sports Yasir Khan Bazai, officials from the Quetta Region Cricket Association, and representatives of the Balochistan Olympic Association, she revealed that the tournament will feature 26 teams, including 18 from registered districts of Balochistan and 8 from other provinces of Pakistan.
A total of 51 matches will be played, with participation from renowned ex-players of the Pakistan national cricket team, bringing star power to the mega event.
Unveiling the official trophy and team kits, Meena Majeed Baloch said that the provincial government is committed to reviving sports in Quetta through consecutive mega-events.
“Our aim is to bring life back to the playing fields, to promote peace and prosperity through sports, and to inspire the youth of Balochistan towards healthy activities,” she said.
Secretary of Sports Durra Baloch added that, for the first time, matches in Quetta will also be played under floodlights at Bugti Stadium. “Daytime heat has always been a challenge, so this year, night matches will be introduced. Installation of floodlights will be completed in the next three to four days,” he confirmed.
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The tournament is being jointly organized by the Balochistan Sports Department and Quetta Region Cricket Association. Officials expressed confidence that, like the recently successful Football Gold Cup, this cricket tournament would also become a flagship sporting event for the province.
