Latest news with #Quaid-e-AzamTrophy
Express Tribune
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
PCB under fire for Karachi-snub from QA Trophy
The Pakistan Cricket Board's adecision to exclude 21-time former champions Karachi from direct participation in the country's premier first-class competition has triggered fierce criticism, with many calling it a grave injustice to Pakistan's largest cricketing hub. On Monday, the PCB announced the schedule for the 2025-26 domestic season, slashing the number of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy teams from 18 to just eight. Six teams from last season's standings have secured automatic qualification, while two more will advance through a non-first-class qualifying tournament. Karachi Region President Nadeem Omar voiced strong opposition to the move. "We have recorded our protest in the form of a dissent note during the meeting," Omar told "Excluding Karachi is a huge injustice to the biggest nursery of the game in the country." Former Pakistan batter Kamran Akmal echoed those concerns, urging the PCB to reconsider. "Leaving out Karachi from the premier tournament makes no sense," Akmal said. "It will be a big, big deprival for the talented players from the city. I have been to Karachi most of the last two years and have seen a lot of good talent there." Under the new format, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will feature Lahore Region Whites, Sialkot, Peshawar, Islamabad, Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, and the two qualifiers. The tournament, set to begin on 22 September, will comprise 29 matches in a single-league format. Karachi isn't the only major cricketing centre left out. Multan, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad have also been denied direct entry, a decision that has further fuelled frustration among regional administrators. Omar argued that the PCB should have warned teams about the impending reduction before the previous season. "Had we known in advance that the number of teams would be cut, everyone would have approached the season differently," he said.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Sport
- Business Recorder
PCB unfolds domestic cricket calendar for 2025-26 season
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Monday announced the domestic cricket calendar for the 2025-26 season, with an emphasis on increased competitiveness, highlighted by an eight-team Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (first-class) tournament. The domestic season will commence on 15th August with the 12-team Hanif Mohammad Trophy (non-first-class) being staged in Karachi, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan. The teams are divided into two pools, with 31 matches scheduled in the four-day tournament. The top two sides will qualify for this season's premier first-class competition – Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The 12 regional sides participating in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy are the same teams that competed in last season's Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Based on last season's standings, these are: Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, FATA, Lahore Region Blues, Hyderabad, Karachi Region Blues, Karachi Region Whites, Multan, Quetta, DM Jamali, AJK and Larkana. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will feature Lahore Region Whites, Sialkot, Peshawar, Islamabad, Abbottabad, Bahawalpur and the two qualifying teams. The tournament is set to begin on 22nd September and will comprise 29 matches in a single-league format, with the final scheduled from 3rd to 7th November. Matches will be held at four venues across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with further details to be announced in due course. To further enhance competitiveness, a qualifying stage has also been introduced for the National T20. 10 teams – Abbottabad, Multan, Quetta, Bahawalpur, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, FATA, Larkana, DM Jamali, and AJK will compete in the qualifier round. These teams will be divided into two pools, with the top two sides progressing to the National T20 (Super 10) tournament, which will be held in Faisalabad from 1st to 12th March. The eight teams automatically qualified for the Super 10 stage are: Karachi Region Whites, Lahore Region Whites, Peshawar, Karachi Region Blues, Sialkot, Islamabad and Faisalabad. Four departmental tournaments – President's Trophy (four-day, first-class), President's Cup (One-Day), President's Trophy Grade II and President's Trophy Grade III will also feature in this domestic season. PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed said, 'We are pleased to unveil a domestic structure that places merit, opportunity and competitiveness at its core. The 2025-26 season has been designed to provide a clear pathway for teams and players to progress based on performance, not reputation.' He said, 'Introducing a qualifier for both the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and the National T20 ensures that every match in our domestic calendar carries significant weight. This not only raises the standard of competition but also fosters a high-performance culture across all formats. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will now feature the most in-form and deserving teams, while the Hanif Mohammad Trophy gives 12 regions a meaningful chance to stake their claim. Similarly, the Super 10 format of the National T20 is a step towards creating more high-intensity, quality cricket.' He also said, 'Our aim is to reward performance and create a vibrant environment where players and teams are constantly challenged. This structure lays the foundation for a long-term growth and helps us prepare future stars for the demands of international cricket.' Director – Domestic Cricket Operations Abdullah Khurram Niazi said, 'The 2025-26 domestic season reflects our commitment to building a competitive and inclusive structure that nurtures talent at every level, from grassroots to senior cricket. By aligning our tournaments across age-group and senior formats, we are creating a clear development pathway for young cricketers.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Domestic season begins on Aug 15
The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is set to begin on 22 September and will comprise 29 matches in a single-league format. Photo: PCB/File The Pakistan Cricket Board today announces the domestic cricket calendar for the 2025-26 season, with an emphasis on increased competitiveness, highlighted by an eight-team Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (first-class) tournament. The domestic season will commence on 15 August with the 12-team Hanif Mohammad Trophy (non-first-class) being staged in Karachi, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan. The teams are divided into two pools, with 31 matches scheduled in the four-day tournament. The top two sides will qualify for this season's premier first-class competition – Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The 12 regional sides participating in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy are the same teams that competed in last season's Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Based on last season's standings, these are: Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, FATA, Lahore Region Blues, Hyderabad, Karachi Region Blues, Karachi Region Whites, Multan, Quetta, D.M Jamali, AJK and Larkana. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will feature Lahore Region Whites, Sialkot, Peshawar, Islamabad, Abbottabad, Bahawalpur and the two qualifying teams. The tournament is set to begin on 22 September and will comprise 29 matches in a single-league format, with the final scheduled from 3 to 7 November. Matches will be held at four venues across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with further details to be announced in due course. To further enhance competitiveness, a qualifying stage has also been introduced for the National T20. 10 teams – Abbottabad, Multan, Quetta, Bahawalpur, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, FATA, Larkana, D.M. Jamali, and AJK will compete in the qualifier round. These teams will be divided into two pools, with the top two sides progressing to the National T20 (Super 10) tournament, which will be held in Faisalabad from 1 to 12 March. The eight teams automatically qualified for the Super 10 stage are: Karachi Region Whites, Lahore Region Whites, Peshawar, Karachi Region Blues, Sialkot, Islamabad and Faisalabad. Four departmental tournaments – President's Trophy (four-day, first-class), President's Cup (One-Day), President's Trophy Grade II and President's Trophy Grade III will also feature in this domestic season. PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed: "We are pleased to unveil a domestic structure that places merit, opportunity and competitiveness at its core. The 2025-26 season has been designed to provide a clear pathway for teams and players to progress based on performance, not reputation. "Introducing a qualifier for both the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and the National T20 ensures that every match in our domestic calendar carries significant weight. This not only raises the standard of competition but also fosters a high-performance culture across all formats. "The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will now feature the most in-form and deserving teams, while the Hanif Mohammad Trophy gives 12 regions a meaningful chance to stake their claim. Similarly, the Super 10 format of the National T20 is a step towards creating more high-intensity, quality cricket. "Our aim is to reward performance and create a vibrant environment where players and teams are constantly challenged. This structure lays the foundation for a long-term growth and helps us prepare future stars for the demands of international cricket." Director – Domestic Cricket Operations Abdullah Khurram Niazi: "The 2025-26 domestic season reflects our commitment to building a competitive and inclusive structure that nurtures talent at every level, from grassroots to senior cricket. By aligning our tournaments across age-group and senior formats, we are creating a clear development pathway for young cricketers. "We have placed equal emphasis on both regional and departmental cricket. The inclusion of a first-class and a one-day tournament exclusively for departments, along with Grade II and Grade III departmental competitions, ensures departments remain a vital pillar of our domestic cricket system. "We are looking forward to U15, U17 and U19 age-group tournaments this season. These competitions will serve as vital stepping stones for young talent, helping us identify and groom future national stars early in their careers. "Also, the top performers of the Hanif Mohammad Trophy will not only be recognised as guest players by the top regions in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, but they will also be considered for domestic contracts, a move aimed at incentivising excellence."
Express Tribune
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Champions Cup future in jeopardy
The future of the Champions Cup cricket tournament is now in jeopardy, with discussions emerging about reviving the Pentangular Cup in its place. No decision has yet been made regarding the mentors who are drawing salaries of 5 million rupees per month. Meanwhile, the regions have rejected the proposal to reduce the number of domestic cricket teams. According to details, after domestic cricket failed to deliver the desired results, the PCB recently formed a committee for reforms, which held its first meeting a few days ago. Sources revealed that due to the lack of expected benefits, there are now considerations to discontinue the Champions Cup. No decision has been taken yet about the future of the mentors earning 5 million rupees monthly; one suggestion is to assign them other tasks. Discussions were also held about reinstating the four-day, one-day, and T20 Pentangular tournaments as in the past, including both finalists of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and departmental events, along with one PCB team. This team would include the best cricketers from across the country, and each team would have a professional coach appointed. During the meeting, representatives of the regions rejected the proposal to reduce the number of domestic teams from 18 to 9. Suggestions to categorize teams into silver and gold, merge smaller city teams, or combine regional and departmental teams also failed to convince them. They argued that the current teams were to remain in place for three years, and there's no justification for changing them after just one year. A regional official, blaming PCB's domestic cricket department's interference in selection and other matters as the root cause of issues, said they should be allowed to manage everything independently. Regarding the lack of talent from smaller cities, participants cited India's Ranji Trophy as an example, noting that only one superstar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, emerged from Jharkhand, but that team is always part of the domestic event. A similar example was given from Australian cricket regarding Steve Waugh.
Express Tribune
10-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pacer Hasan Ali named vice-captain of Karachi Kings for HBL PSL X
Hasan Ali has been appointed vice-captain of the Karachi Kings for the upcoming 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), replacing Shan Masood in a new leadership setup that also includes David Warner as captain. The right-arm pacer's appointment was announced via the franchise's social media, where the Kings shared a graphic featuring Hasan Ali under the caption, 'Hasan Ali proudly takes charge as the new Vice-Captain of Kings squad.' This is the second change in Karachi's leadership for the upcoming season, with Warner recently replacing Shan Masood as captain in what will be his debut PSL campaign. Hasan Ali, who was present at the PSL 10 captains' conference in Warner's absence, now steps into the leadership role with both domestic and franchise experience to his name. The 30-year-old previously led Central Punjab to the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title in 2020 and remains a key figure in Karachi's bowling attack. He enters the tournament with 108 PSL wickets in 82 matches at an average of 22.96 and an economy rate of 8.03. He is just six wickets behind Wahab Riaz, who leads the all-time charts with 113 wickets in 88 matches. Hasan also holds the record for most wickets in a single PSL season, having claimed 25 scalps in 13 matches during PSL 4 while representing Peshawar Zalmi. The 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League begins on Friday, April 11, 2025, with defending champions Islamabad United facing Lahore Qalandars in the opener at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Karachi Kings kick off their campaign a day later on April 12 against Multan Sultans at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. The six-team tournament will feature 34 matches, culminating in the final at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on May 18. Karachi Kings squad for PSL 10: David Warner (C), Hasan Ali (VC), Abbas Afridi, Adam Milne, James Vince, Khushdil Shah, Shan Masood, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Tim Seifert, Zahid Mahmood, Litton Das, Mir Hamza, Fawad Ali, Riazullah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Kane Williamson, Mohammad Nabi, Mirza Mamoon.
