Karachi , (Zeeshan Hussain/Sports Reporter) The trophy for the IMC Over-40 T20 Cricket World Cup 2025 was unveiled during a Media Briefing Ceremony at a local hotel, officially marking the start of a landmark event set to commence tomorrow. Pakistan has earned the honour of hosting the inaugural T20-format Over-40 World Cup, organized under the banner of the International Masters Cricket Council (IMC).
Speaking at the ceremony, Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA) Chairman Fawad Ijaz Khan described the hosting rights as a major milestone for Pakistan cricket. He expressed gratitude to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, law enforcement agencies, security institutions and event sponsors for their support in ensuring the successful staging of the tournament.
The World Cup will feature 12 international teams—Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, USA, Canada, Hong Kong, UAE, Rest of the World and Rest of Gulf—competing in 42 matches across five venues: Southend Club Cricket Stadium, National Bank Stadium, Karachi Gymkhana Cricket Ground, NBP Sports Complex and DHA Sports Club (MKA). All of Pakistan’s fixtures, including the semi-finals and final, will be played at National Bank Stadium.
Earlier, the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association announced an 18-member national squad for the event, led by former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, with Fawad Alam as vice-captain and Shahid Afridi adding star power to the lineup. The squad includes seasoned performers such as Zulfiqar Babar, Sohail Khan, Tabish Khan and Humayun Farhat.
Former Test cricketer Ajaz Ahmed Faquih is serving as Chief Selector and is also part of the Tournament Technical Committee, while Jalaluddin has been appointed Head Coach. Legendary cricketer Javed Miandad will mentor the team, and Azam Khan will serve as team manager. Notably, for the first time in the tournament’s history, women umpires on the IMC panel will officiate matches.
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