Lahore Blues set to defend title as National T20 Cup begins today The 12-day ABS Developers National T20 Cup is set to commence today at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, with the defending champions Lahore Blues aiming to retain their title. The tournament features 10 regional teams competing for the championship, with Lahore Blues placed in Group B alongside Abbottabad, Karachi Blues, Multan, and Sialkot. The opening matches will see Lahore Whites face Peshawar at 4:15 pm, while Faisalabad will take on Karachi Whites at 9:15 pm. Bahawalpur will also be part of Group A. A total prize pool of PKR 8.5 million is on offer, with the winners receiving PKR 5 million and runners-up PKR 2.5 million. Additional awards include PKR 100,000 for the best batter, bowler, wicketkeeper, and player of the tournament. The player of the match will be awarded PKR 25,000, while the player of the final will receive PKR 50,000. The tournament will be broadcast live using 22 high-definition cameras, with coverage available on Geo Super, A Sports, PTV Sports, PTV National, and Fast Sports. International viewers can access the live stream via PCB’s official YouTube channel. Commentary will be provided by former Pakistan internationals Salman Butt and Aiman Anwer, alongside Ali Younis, Shah Faisal, Raja Asad, and Imranullah. The captains’ trophy shoot was held at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium on Friday. Lahore Blues, led by interim captain Saad Nasim, expressed confidence in their ability to defend the title despite the strong competition. Nasim highlighted the blend of young and experienced players in their squad and anticipated enthusiastic support from Peshawar fans. Karachi Blues and Bahawalpur advanced to the tournament after winning their respective Qualifier events.#imran_khan_cricket_stadium #peshawar #lahore_blues #abs_developers #karachi_blues
Pakistan U19 Captain Farhan Yousaf Dominates with Explosive Knock in National T20 Cup 2026 Pakistan’s Under-19 captain Farhan Yousaf delivered a standout performance in the National T20 Cup 2026, leading Lahore Whites to a thrilling six-wicket victory over Peshawar in a match played at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar. Chasing a target of 168 runs, Lahore overcame the challenge with three overs remaining, with Yousaf at the heart of their success. The 19-year-old opener smashed spinner Usman Tariq for a maximum six and a boundary in quick succession, making a bold statement with his aggressive strokeplay. Yousaf remained unbeaten on 61 off 31 balls, anchoring the innings with composure and power. Supporting Yousaf’s innings were Muhammad Akhlaq, who scored 58 off 46 balls, and Muhammad Mohsin, who contributed a quick 17* off nine deliveries. The duo’s partnership helped Lahore maintain a steady run rate while keeping the pressure on the Peshawar bowlers. Tariq, despite his efforts, conceded 33 runs in four overs and managed to take a single wicket. Peshawar’s innings had been led by Yasir Khan, who top-scored with 65 off 37 balls, but their batting collapse saw them finish at 167/9 in 20 overs. The match highlighted the competitive nature of the National T20 Cup, with both teams showcasing strong performances. Aamir Jamal, Lahore’s captain, took three wickets for 40 runs in his four overs, while Mohammad Rameez Jnr claimed two wickets for 24. The victory marked a significant moment for Lahore Whites, as they demonstrated their ability to dominate in the shorter format of the game. The tournament, featuring teams from across Pakistan, continues to be a platform for young talent to shine.#lahore_whites #imran_khan_cricket_stadium #farhan_yousaf #national_t20_cup_2026 #peshawar
