Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has said he remains the national team's captain for the upcoming World Cup "so far", while stressing that the National Champions Cup will provide an important opportunity to assess players for the tournament squad.
Speaking to the media during the trophy unveiling ceremony of the National Champions Cup in Multan, Shaheen said the domestic competition would make it easier to evaluate players and finalise the World Cup squad.
"I am the captain for the World Cup so far," Shaheen said, adding that performances in the Champions Cup would help in the selection process.
The National Champions Cup is scheduled to be played at Multan Cricket Stadium from August 11 to 18, with four teams competing in a single round-robin format.
Four teams to compete in Champions Cup
The tournament features Pakistan Greens, Pakistan Whites, Pakistan Blues and Pakistan Gold.
The four sides will be led by Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan and Shaheen Afridi, respectively.
The top two teams at the end of the league stage will qualify for the final, which is scheduled for August 18.
All matches will be played as day-night fixtures and will begin at 3pm Pakistan time, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Shadab misses trophy ceremony
Pakistan Greens captain Shadab Khan was unable to attend the trophy unveiling and press conference after developing a fever.
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf represented Shadab at the event.
The tournament is expected to give national selectors and team management an opportunity to assess the form and fitness of players competing for places in Pakistan's World Cup squad.
The Champions Cup will feature seven matches across the tournament, with the four sides competing for the title in Multan.
