Islamabad
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the final schedule for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy on Tuesday night, which will begin on Oct 26 and conclude on Dec 19. This year’s edition will feature 18 teams, spread across 16 regions, with Lahore and Karachi each fielding two teams. Karachi Whites, the defending champions, will aim to retain their title.
The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is regarded as Pakistan’s premier domestic first-class cricket tournament, and this year’s competition sees a significant expansion in participation compared to previous editions, where only eight teams competed last year and just six teams four years ago.
Abdullah Niazi, Director of Domestic Operations at PCB, emphasized the importance of the tournament in nurturing domestic talent. ‘The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy showcases the immense talent across the country and prepares players for international challenges. We are committed to strengthening our domestic structure and ensuring the successful execution of this tournament,’ Niazi said.
The tournament will also serve as a key preparation for Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against South Africa, starting December 26. Test vice-captain Saud Shakeel highlighted the importance of first-class cricket in preparing for international series, particularly against strong opponents like South Africa.
The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is expected to play a crucial role in evaluating players for the national Test team, adding extra significance to this year’s competition.
