The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s top domestic first-class cricket tournament, is set to begin on October 26. This year, the tournament will feature a significant increase in the number of teams and a fresh schedule.
What’s New This Year?
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a major overhaul for the 2024-25 season. Here are the key changes:
- More Teams: This year, 18 teams from 16 regions will compete. Lahore and Karachi will each have two teams. Last year, only eight teams participated, and prior to that, there were only six teams for four years.
- Defending Champions: Karachi Whites will return as the defending champions.
A Boost for Domestic Cricket
Abdullah Niazi, the director of domestic operations, emphasized the importance of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. He stated, “This tournament is not just a competition; it showcases the immense talent across the country and helps players prepare for international challenges.” The PCB aims to provide the best platform for players to shine and compete with the country’s best talent.
Recent Challenges
Just a few days ago, the start of the tournament was uncertain due to delays in approvals. It was initially set to begin on October 20 but has been pushed to October 26. This late start is unusual, as only two of the last 15 years saw the tournament start after this date.
The PCB previously hosted the Champions One-Day Cup in September, which left limited time for first-class cricket before the busy Test season. By the time the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy kicks off, Pakistan’s Test season will already be well underway, with seven home games scheduled.
Preparing for Future Tours
Pakistan’s vice-captain, Saud Shakeel, noted that the first-class competition could help prepare for the upcoming tour of South Africa. He mentioned the importance of replicating conditions similar to what they might face in the SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) series.
Summary
The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is set to be an exciting tournament this year, with more teams and a focus on developing players for international success.
