Lahore, August 1: The trophy for the CM Punjab Champions League was officially unveiled during a colourful ceremony at the E-Library, Nishtar Sports Complex, marking the launch of what the Punjab government describes as Pakistan’s biggest cricket event after the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Punjab Minister for Sports Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar attended the ceremony as chief guest and unveiled the trophy alongside Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Executive Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed and captains of all 12 participating men’s teams. The event also featured the unveiling of the official logos of the competing teams.
The ceremony was attended by Vice Chairman Sports Board Punjab Salman Malik, Secretary Sports Punjab Fazal-ur-Rehman, Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi, PCB officials, former Pakistan women’s captain Nida Dar, and several national cricketers.
Addressing the event, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is committed to transforming Punjab into the country’s leading sports hub.
He said the tournament will feature 12 men’s teams and four women’s teams, with matches scheduled in Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan. The competition will begin on August 3, while the final will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on August 9.
The sports minister said several national and internationally recognised cricketers will participate alongside emerging players selected through a merit-based process. He added that all matches will be played under day-night conditions and broadcast live across Pakistan.
He also highlighted the Punjab government’s wider sports agenda, stating that the province plans to organise 18 major sporting events this year. He reiterated that the CM Punjab Youth Games are expected to attract five million participants, reflecting the government’s focus on youth development through sports.
PCB Chief Executive Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed described the CM Punjab Champions League as a first-of-its-kind provincial cricket competition aimed at identifying talent at the grassroots level. He reaffirmed the PCB’s support by providing umpires, match referees, scorers, and other officials to ensure the tournament is conducted according to professional standards.
Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi said the league will provide talented cricketers from across Punjab with an opportunity to showcase their abilities and strengthen the province’s cricket development pathway.
The 12 men’s teams participating in the inaugural edition are Lahore Lions, Bahawalpur Nawabs, Faisalabad Hawks, Sargodha Shaheens, Rawalpindi Panthers, Gujranwala Warriors, Gujrat Thunder, Lahore Strikers, Dera Ghazi Khan Titans, Lahore Tigers, Multan Mavericks, and Sahiwal Stallions.
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