Pakistan's most decorated skipper, Misbah-ul-Haq is one of the main attractions of the three-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Grade-II, which commenced on Friday.
In the event, Misbah (44) who played 276 international matches and scored 11,132 runs is representing Faisalabad Region, which will is one of the 10 sides that will go head to head in the tournament which carries total prize money of Rs 950,000.
part from Faisalabad, other regional sides including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Bahawalpur, Dera Murad Jamali, Hyderabad, Larkana, Abbottabad, Sialkot, Quetta and Karachi Blues are taking part in the event.
The teams have been divided into two groups, with Group-A comprising Bahawalpur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, AJK and Hyderabad. Their matches will be played at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad and Mirpur Stadium, Azad Jammu Kashmir.
Teams in Group-B are Abbottabad, Quetta, Larkana, Karachi Blues and Dera Murad Jamali, and their matches will be played in Karachi at the National Bank of Pakistan Ground, State Bank of Pakistan Ground and United Bank Limited Sports Complex. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, which will be played simultaneously from 1 to 3 February at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, and Mirpur Stadium, AJK, respectively.
The final of the tournament will be played at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, from February 6 to 9.
As per the existing domestic cricket rules, relegation and promotion will apply; the tournament winner will seal a berth in the next edition of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Grade I tournament.
Faisalabad region have a real star power in their ranks with Test icon Misbah-ul-Haq leading their campaign. He will be supported by opener Ahmad Shahzad also is also making a return to competitive cricket.
Misbah said he was keen to help Faisalabad move into the Grade-I competition. "The biggest motivation for me is to help Faisalabad regain their Grade-I spot. We were relegated last season and our aim is to qualify for first-class cricket again; this is what we can strive to do for our region."
Misbah is also keen on transferring his experience to the upcoming players in the arena. He is also hopeful that competitive cricket in this event will help him in HBL PSL 2019 in which he will represent Peshawar Zalmi. "Such events also provide an opportunity to work with younger players, to spend time with them to work on their game and transfer experience. On a personal note the tournament should help me prepare for the HBL PSL," he admitted.
Misbah said he was glad to have Ahmad Shahzad in his side and felt this tournament was a good platform for the opener to regain his lost touch. "I feel that the tournament will help Ahmad Shahzad get back into form, regain his confidence and prepare for the HBL PSL 2019. The three-day tournaments provide a great opportunity of spending a long time at the crease and improving one's game," he added.
Tournament prize money: winner: Rs500,000; runners-up: Rs250,000; player of the final: Rs 50,000; best batsman: Rs50,000; best bowler: Rs50, 000 and best wicketkeeper: Rs 50,000.