MULTAN: The countdown to Pakistan’s domestic cricket season officially began on Monday as the glittering trophy for the National Champions Cup 2026–27 was unveiled at Multan Cricket Stadium, setting the stage for a week-long competition that will shape the nation’s preparations for next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Al Batal Presents University of Lahore National Champions Cup trophy has been unveiled at Multan Cricket Stadium 🏆
Action gets underway tomorrow 🏏
Tournament schedule ➡️ https://t.co/05eKfBtqCP#NationalChampionsCup | #KhelAzadiSe pic.twitter.com/UgQMBwPcRG
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 10, 2026
Against the backdrop of a sun-drenched Multan skyline, the captains of the four participating sides gathered for the ceremonial reveal of a silver masterpiece, a tall, polished design crowned with a distinctive globe-shaped top, mounted on a black base bearing the tournament’s title and logo.
The trophy’s unveiling marked not just the start of a domestic competition, but a strategic move by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to fine-tune the country’s World Cup ambitions.
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However, the ceremony was missing one key figure. Pakistan Greens captain Shadab Khan was sidelined by fever, forcing all-rounder Faheem Ashraf to step in for the trophy shoot and pre-tournament press conference. The absence of the star all-rounder cast a brief shadow over the proceedings, though organizers confirmed Shadab is expected to be fit for the tournament opener.
Read Also: Pakistan to Host Four-Team Multan Tournament from August 11-18 for World Cup 2027
The National Champions Cup, running from August 11 to 18, will feature a single round-robin format with Pakistan Greens, Pakistan Whites, Pakistan Blues, and Pakistan Gold battling for supremacy. The top two teams will advance to the final on August 18, with every match scheduled as a day-night fixture beginning at 3pm local time under the lights of Multan Cricket Stadium.
National Champions Cup 2026 Schedule
· August 11: Pakistan Greens vs Pakistan Whites
· August 12: Pakistan Blues vs Pakistan Gold
· August 13: Pakistan Blues vs Pakistan Whites
· August 14: Pakistan Gold vs Pakistan Greens
· August 15: Pakistan Blues vs Pakistan Greens
· August 16: Pakistan Gold vs Pakistan Whites
· August 18: Final
🏏🇵🇰 The four kits for the National Champions Cup are here!
Which one looks the best? 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/dCOBou9NjH
— Humais khan (@Humireacts) August 9, 2026
The four sides will be led by a formidable lineup of captains: Shadab Khan (Greens), Saim Ayub (Whites), Sahibzada Farhan (Blues), and Shaheen Shah Afridi (Gold), each carrying the weight of national expectations as selectors cast a watchful eye over both established stars and emerging talent.
The PCB has introduced a structured approach for the competition, with each team fielding a fixed playing XI backed by a 13-player reserve pool. Replacements will only be permitted in cases of injury or concussion, ensuring a level playing field while testing squad depth ahead of the global showpiece in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
The 44-player pool, carefully curated by national selectors, features a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising youngsters.
Pakistan Greens boast the firepower of Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah alongside Shadab’s leadership, while Pakistan Whites rely on the explosive Saim Ayub and pace ace Haris Rauf.
Pakistan Blues counter with the experience of Abdullah Shafique and Hasan Ali, while Pakistan Gold, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, brings a balanced attack featuring Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Nawaz.
The action begins on August 11 with Pakistan Greens taking on Pakistan Whites, and over eight days of intense cricket, one team will lift the silver trophy and etch their name into Pakistan’s domestic cricket history.
