Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson believes the newly launched four-team National Champions Cup will play a crucial role in the team’s preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, saying that a strong domestic structure is the foundation of international success.
Hesson stressed that competitive domestic cricket provides players with the match practice and high-pressure experience needed to build a successful national side ahead of the global event.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the teams and schedule for the National Champions Cup on Monday. The 50-over List A tournament will be held at Multan Cricket Stadium from August 11 to 18.
The seven-match competition will mark the start of Pakistan’s 2026–27 domestic season. All matches will be played as day-night fixtures, with each game beginning at 3:00 pm local time.
The tournament will feature four teams: Pakistan Greens, Pakistan Whites, Pakistan Blues, and Pakistan Gold—competing in a single round-robin format. The top two teams at the end of the league stage will qualify for the final on August 18.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, Hesson said the PCB had introduced the tournament with the 2027 World Cup in mind, providing national players with an opportunity to play high-quality, competitive cricket ahead of the international season.
The Pakistan white-ball coach also expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform in major ICC tournaments. He noted that Pakistan has a strong history of delivering impressive performances in international competitions and said he is optimistic the team will mount a strong campaign at the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
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