Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board announced today that Sarfaraz Ahmed, a seasoned cricket veteran and two-time ICC event winner, will serve as the mentor for the Dolphins cricket team. The Dolphins, who will operate out of the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre in Karachi, are slated to participate in the Champions One-Day Cup, taking place in Faisalabad from September 12 to 29, 2024.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, Sarfaraz Ahmed brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having led Pakistan to victories in the ICC U19 World Cup in 2006 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. His role will extend beyond mentorship as he will also participate as a player in the tournament. The Champions One-Day Cup will feature the top 150 cricketers from across the country competing in a 50-over format.

The Dolphins are set to launch their campaign on September 14 against Saqlain Mushtaq’s Panthers, with subsequent matches against teams led by other cricket stalwarts such as Misbah-ul-Haq’s Wolves, Shoaib Malik’s Stallions, and Waqar Younis’ Lions. The tournament will follow a single-league format, culminating in three playoff matches and a final on September 29.

Sarfaraz expressed enthusiasm about his dual role, emphasizing his commitment to enhancing team performance while also contributing on the field. “Mentoring a highly-rated Dolphins side in what promises to be a keenly contested and hard-fought tournament is something I’m eagerly looking forward to. This will be a new experience for me, and I’m excited about the opportunity to learn and further develop my skills as a cricket professional,” he stated.

The PCB expects that Sarfaraz’s involvement will not only elevate the Dolphins’ performance but also contribute to the overall success of the Champions One-Day Cup, anticipated to exceed expectations with high-caliber play and intense competition.