Two of Pakistan’s most competitive domestic sides, Karachi Blues and Karachi Whites, have confirmed their squads and fixtures for the National T20 Cup 2025-26, as the tournament prepares to get underway from March 07 in Peshawar.
With both teams packed with international experience and emerging talent, Karachi’s presence is expected to be a major force in the competition.
Karachi Blues will be captained by Pakistan Test regular Saud Shakeel, whose calm leadership and consistency in the middle order make him a central figure in the side.
Players to watch out:
Saim Ayub: An explosive opener and 2nd-ranked all-rounder in ICC ranking is more than capable of shifting momentum inside the powerplay.
Shan Masood: Brings experience and stability at the top and in pressure chases.
Omair Bin Yousuf: A dependable middle-order batter with strong domestic numbers.
Khawaja Muhammad Nafay (wk): Provides wicketkeeping depth and late-innings hitting.
Muhammad Hamza: A new in the spotlight and is more than capable of leading the pace attack. He is also known for movement with the new ball.
Arif Yaqoob: A leg-spinner who can control the middle overs and strike regularly.
Karachi Blues squad:
Saud Shakeel (captain), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Shan Masood, Omair Bin Yousuf, Haroon Arshad, Khawaja Muhammad Nafay (wicketkeeper), Danish Aziz, Safiullah Bangash, Saqib Khan, Muhammad Umar, Muhammad Hamza, Rizwan Ullah, Muhammad Asghar, Arif Yaqoob.
Karachi Blues fixtures – National T20 Cup 2025-26
Karachi Blues vs Sialkot – 8 March, 9:15pm
Karachi Blues vs Abbottabad – 10 March, 4:15pm
Karachi Blues vs Multan – 12 March, 9:15pm
Karachi Blues vs Lahore Blues – 14 March, 9:15pm
Karachi Whites: Power-packed side with star guests
Meanwhile, Karachi Whites enter the tournament with a blend of experienced campaigners and high-impact guest players, making them one of the most dangerous line-ups in the competition.
Players to watch out:
Ahsan Ali: A proven T20 run-scorer and former tournament top batter, capable of match-winning knocks.
Shahnawaz Dahani (guest): Express pace and raw aggression, especially effective in the death overs.
Wahaj Riaz: Offers control with the ball and valuable lower-order contributions.
Khalil Ahmed (guest): A left-arm pacer who adds variation and swing with the new ball.
Mehran Mumtaz (guest): A young spin option who can exploit slower surfaces.
Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk): Expected to handle wicketkeeping duties while contributing with the bat.
Karachi Whites squad
Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Ahsan Ali, Jahandad Khan (guest), Jahanzaib Sultan, Khalil Ahmed (guest), Mehran Mumtaz (guest), Mohammad Talha, Muhammad Usman Raheem, Rameez Aziz, Rehman Ghani, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Shahnawaz Dahani (guest), Syed Shah Raza Naqvi, Wahaj Riaz.
Karachi Whites fixtures – National T20 Cup 2025-26
Karachi Whites vs Faisalabad – 5 March, 9:15pm
Karachi Whites vs Bahawalpur – 7 March, 9:15pm
Karachi Whites vs Peshawar – 9 March, 9:15pm
Karachi Whites vs Lahore Whites – 13 March, 4:15pm
With both Karachi Blues and Karachi Whites fielding competitive squads, the National T20 Cup 2025-26 is set for intense intra-city rivalry and high-quality cricket, as players look to stake their claim for future Pakistan selection.
