The trophy for the IMC Over-40 T20 World Cup 2025 was formally revealed at a media briefing in Karachi, signalling the start of a historic tournament that Pakistan will host from tomorrow. Pakistan has been awarded the honour of staging the first-ever Over-40 T20 World Cup under the International Masters Cricket Council, a milestone for veterans cricket in the country.
At the briefing, Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association chairman Fawad Ijaz Khan described hosting the event as a major achievement for Pakistan cricket and thanked Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, security agencies and sponsors for their support in making the tournament possible. He emphasised the local commitment to delivering a safe and competitive event for all participating teams.
Twelve international sides will contest 42 matches in the Over-40 T20 event, with squads from Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, USA, Canada, Hong Kong, UAE, Rest of the World and Rest of Gulf. Matches are scheduled across five Karachi venues: Southend Club Cricket Stadium, National Bank Stadium, Karachi Gymkhana Cricket Ground, NBP Sports Complex and DHA Sports Club (MKA), with all of Pakistan’s fixtures, including the semi-finals and final, set for the National Bank Stadium.
The Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association named an 18-man national squad led by former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, with Fawad Alam as vice-captain and the veteran Shahid Afridi adding star power. The squad also features seasoned campaigners such as Zulfiqar Babar, Sohail Khan, Tabish Khan and Humayun Farhat, providing a blend of experience and local support expected to excite Karachi crowds.
Selection and technical oversight for the team include former Test cricketer Ajaz Ahmed Faquih serving as Chief Selector and member of the Tournament Technical Committee, with Jalaluddin appointed head coach, legendary Javed Miandad as team mentor and Azam Khan as team manager. For the first time in IMC history, women umpires from the IMC panel will also officiate matches, marking an important step for inclusivity in veterans cricket.
