Balochistan, a blend of youth and experience for Pakistan Cup - Press Release issued by Pakistan Cricket Board.

Lahore -- March 29, 2019 (PPI-OT)

Following is the text of press release issued by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)

Quote

Balochistan are geared up for a big performance in the Pakistan Cup 2019 when the five teams converge to Rawalpindi for the tournament which commences at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on 2 April.

Captain Asad Shafiq was excited at the opportunity of leading the Balochistan side, and felt his team was well balanced and had a good combination for the 50-over format.

"We have a very good team for the 50-over format. The tournament is a big opportunity for all the players to prove their worth at a big stage," Asad said.

The Balochistan captain was keen on motivating his team with Pakistan team's selection due for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 at the end of the tournament. The Test batsman also asked his side's fans to pray for the team's success.

"We will try our best to win the tournament, the event is very well planned since the World Cup squad will be announced after the tournament ends, the performers have an opportunity of getting selected for the coveted event," Asad added.

Federal Areas will defend the title, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan are the other competing teams in the tournament. All 11 matches will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, with the top two sides from the single-league competition progressing to the 12 April final.

Balochistan failed to make it to the final in the 2018 edition, but came very close to winning the title in the 2017 edition before losing to the Federal Areas by one wicket off the last-ball. They won two matches in the 2016 edition, but failed to reach the final.

For the 2019 edition, Balochistan have a solid batting line-up with the hugely experienced Asad set to be the guiding force. Asad, a veteran of 69 Tests, 60 ODIs and 10 T20Is, has amassed 4444 runs in 122 List A matches.

The middle-order also includes the left-handed Fawad Alam, who also has rich cricket experience, while another left-hander Awais Zia provides firepower at the top of the innings in his opener's role.

Balochistan also have the explosive Umar Akmal in their batting ranks who will join the side following the ODI series against...