Latest news with #SumairAhmedSyed
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
5 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
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Shaheens to feature in Top End T20 Series
Pakistan team in action against Bangladesh in the three-match T20I series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Photo: AFP Pakistan Shaheens will return to Darwin for the third successive year to take part in the Top End T20 Series, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed today. This year's edition of Top End T20 Series will take place in Darwin from 14 to 24 August with Pakistan Shaheens taking on Bangladesh 'A' in the opening match of the tournament on 14 August at the TIO Stadium in Darwin. The event will feature 11 teams with 36 T20 fixtures to be played across five venues including DXC Arena, TIO Stadium, Gardens Oval, Cazaly's Arena and Freds Pass. More details will be announced by the tournament organisers in due course. In 2023 edition, Pakistan Shaheens qualified for the final, while in last year's event, they featured in the first semi-final. Sumair Ahmed Syed, PCB Chief Operating Officer: 'We are pleased to confirm Pakistan Shaheens' participation in the Top End T20 Series for the third consecutive year. This tournament continues to serve as a platform for our emerging cricketers to gain valuable exposure and experience in competitive conditions. 'We are grateful to Northern Territory Cricket for their continued collaboration and for providing a professional and high-quality tournament that contributes significantly to the growth of our emerging talent.' Gavin Dovey, NT Cricket CEO: 'We are once again delighted to welcome our good friends the PCB and BCB to Darwin where it is an honour and privilege to host two genuine giants of the game. 'The Top End T20 Series was created as a vehicle to market and promote the Northern Territory as a destination to visit, live, work or study, and I don't think there is a sport in the Territory that can connect with a bigger audience.'
Business Recorder
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Pakistan Shaheens to feature in Top End T20 series
Pakistan Shaheens will return to Darwin for the third successive year to take part in the Top End T20 Series, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Tuesday. This year's edition of Top End T20 Series will take place in Darwin from 14 to 24 August with Pakistan Shaheens taking on Bangladesh 'A' in the opening match of the tournament on 14 August at the TIO Stadium in Darwin. The event will feature 11 teams with 36 T20 fixtures to be played across five venues including DXC Arena, TIO Stadium, Gardens Oval, Cazaly's Arena and Freds Pass. More details will be announced by the tournament organisers in due course. In 2023 edition, Pakistan Shaheens qualified for the final, while in last year's event, they featured in the first semi-final. Mubasir shines as Shaheens begin white-ball leg of Darwin tour on winning note Sumair Ahmed Syed, PCB Chief Operating Officer: 'We are pleased to confirm Pakistan Shaheens' participation in the Top End T20 Series for the third consecutive year. This tournament continues to serve as a platform for our emerging cricketers to gain valuable exposure and experience in competitive conditions. 'We are grateful to Northern Territory Cricket for their continued collaboration and for providing a professional and high-quality tournament that contributes significantly to the growth of our emerging talent.' Gavin Dovey, NT Cricket CEO: 'We are once again delighted to welcome our good friends the PCB and BCB to Darwin where it is an honour and privilege to host two genuine giants of the game. 'The Top End T20 Series was created as a vehicle to market and promote the Northern Territory as a destination to visit, live, work or study, and I don't think there is a sport in the Territory that can connect with a bigger audience.'
Express Tribune
10-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
PCB furious over CT ceremony snub
Despite being the hosts, no PCB official was invited during the ICC Champions Trophy closing ceremony. Photo: AFP The International Cricket Council (ICC) has come under scrutiny after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was noticeably absent from the presentation ceremony following the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubaia tournament originally hosted by Pakistan. The absence of any PCB official at the ceremony, where host nations are traditionally represented, has sparked debate and raised questions about the ICC's management of the event. Multiple sources confirmed that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who was expected to attend, was unable to travel to Dubai due to health reasons. However, the PCB's Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Tournament Director, Sumair Ahmed Syed, was present at the final. Despite his availability, the ICC did not include him in the presentation partya decision described by various quarters as a deliberate snub. "The chairman couldn't travel, but COO Sumair Ahmed Syed was there and attended the final. He should have been on stage to represent the PCB," a source close to the matter told this correspondent. However, no official statement has been issued by the PCB regarding the matter. An ICC spokesperson said that PCB Management Committee Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was invited to attend the final ceremony but did not come. "Mr. Naqvi was unavailable and did not travel to Dubai for the final," the spokesperson stated. Some journalists and experts raised concerns about the lack of Pakistani representation during the ceremony. In response, the ICC explained that it follows the same rules for all its tournaments. "The ICC only invites the head of the host boardsuch as the president, vice president, chairman, or CEO - to participate in the awards ceremony. Other board officials, even if present at the venue, are not part of the stage proceedings," the spokesperson said. The ICC made it clear that this rule was not specific to the Champions Trophy but has been applied in all past events. The reason no PCB official was on stage was that Pakistan's designated representative did not attend. The composition of the final presentation party, which included BCCI President Roger Binny, Secretary Devajit Saikia, former New Zealand cricketer Roger Twose and ICC Chairman Jay Shah, has further fueled the controversy. Some of the media representatives have also questioned the ICC's decision to have former Australian captain Aaron Finch present the trophy instead of Sarfaraz Ahmed, the Pakistan captain who led his team to victory in the previous edition of the Champions Trophy. Many saw this as a missed opportunity to honor Pakistan's cricketing legacy, further alienating the host nation's supporters. Many argue that this incident reflects a broader pattern of disregard for Pakistan's contributions to international cricket, particularly in the context of hosting the ICC Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, Following the successful conclusion of the event, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the tournament a resounding success. In a heartfelt message, he acknowledged the relentless efforts of the PCB team, law enforcement agencies, provincial governments, ICC officials, and the participating teams. "I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated PCB team, the vigilant law enforcement agencies, the supportive provincial governments, the esteemed ICC officials, and all the phenomenal participating cricket teams that traveled to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025," Naqvi posted on X. "Your relentless efforts made it possible for us to hold the Champions Trophy 2025 seamlessly and turn it into a remarkable success story," he added. He emphasised Pakistan's immense pride in hosting the tournament, calling it a historic achievement for cricket fans worldwide. The successful organization of the event is expected to bolster Pakistan's reputation as a safe and capable host for international cricket, paving the way for more major tournaments in the future.
