Vancouver Knights sign Babar, Amir for GT20

Mohammad Rizwan will also be part of the franchise

The Vancouver Knights have announced the signing of four prominent Pakistan players for the upcoming GT20 Canada 2024. Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam, star pace bowler Mohammad Amir, and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan are set to join the franchise, adding significant firepower to the squad.

After being knocked out by the eventual champions Montreal Tigers in the previous playoff, the Vancouver Knights have strategically strengthened their team for the 2024 season. Babar Azam and Mohammad Amir were secured during the GT20 Draft, while Mohammad Rizwan was retained following his impressive performance in the 2023 edition.

In addition to the Pakistani trio, the inaugural champions have also brought in Pakistan’s aggressive middle-order batter Asif Ali. The team will also benefit from the expertise of Nepal’s master blaster Dipendra Singh Airee and star spinner, Sandeep Lamichhane.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Nationals have made significant acquisitions of their own, signing Pakistan’s premier left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz. The Nationals’ squad is further bolstered by the inclusion of New Zealand’s Colin Munro and South Africa’s star batter Rassie Van Dussen.

The fourth season of the GT20 will run from July 25 to August 11, with all matches set to be played at TD Cricket Arena in Brampton. The tournament features six teams, initially launched in 2018, followed by a second edition in 2019. The third season, initially scheduled for 2020, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making a return in 2023, where the Montreal Tigers clinched their first title by defeating Surrey Jaguars in the final.