Geo UK acquires T20 Pakistan Domestic Cup

Premium Pakistani entertainment channel, Geo UK has acquired the UK television rights for the RBS T20 Pakistan Domestic Cup, starting this weekend.

In the nine-day event, 13 regional outfits from across the country will show their worth. The teams, having the support of key international players, have been placed in four different groups. Group A carries Peshawar Panthers, Multan Tigers, Lahore Lions and Quetta Bears while the defending champions Sialkot Stallions, Rawalpindi Rams and Karachi Zebras have been accommodated in Group B. Group C contains Faisalabad Wolves, Islamabad Leopards and Abbottabad Rhinos while Group D comprises of Karachi Dolphins, Lahore Eagles and Hyderabad Hawks.

Interestingly, former Pakistan captain Younis Khan will lead Abbottabad Rhinos instead of Peshawar. Test opener Yasir Hameed will also represent Abbottabad along with Riffatullah Mohmand.

After the league round, one team from each group will qualify for the semifinals which will be held on Saturday 6th March while the final will be conducted on Sunday 7th March.

“We are happy to once again welcome RBS as title sponsor for the tournament and we hope that the competition would be a success,” the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) governing board member Wazir Ali told this correspondent during a press briefing at the National Stadium Karachi Pakistan.

“We plan to further boost the revival of domestic cricket in the country on more developed patterns and in line with international standard,” he said.

Business Unit Head for Geo TV Network, International Operations M.Baseem Baig Chagtai said: “Geo TV Network’s desire to be the front runner in Pakistani Sports broadcasting is visible from the huge amount of sports coverage available to its audience globally, cricket is a big hit amongst the South Asian Expatriates. Domestic Cricket Twenty-20 Cup has become a sensation, and it has further built our confidence in the domestic cricket from Pakistan”.

The competitions would also help the Pakistan Cricket Board to pick a solid side for the Twenty20 World Cup which would be held in West Indies in May. The winners will be handed over Rs2.5 million, the runners-up will get Rs1 million while Rs30,000 each will be handed over to the best batsman, best bowler, best wicketkeeper and the best fielder of the tournament. Similarly, other cash prizes have also been kept for impressive individual feats in the semi-finals and finals.

The RBS T20 Pakistan Domestic Cup will be shown on Geo UK from Sunday 28th February to Sunday 7th March.