After some delay in the 2024-25 Quaid-e-Azam trophy, the final schedule for Pakistan’s premier domestic first-class competition has been declared by PCB. The tournament’s first match will happen on October 26, and the last match to be played on December 19.
This year’s QeA tournament marks a significant position from previous ones, holding 18 teams across 16 regions. Lahore and Karachi both include two teams each. A total of eight teams participated last year and four preceding years with only six participants, highlighting a renewed commitment in the competition. The Karachi Whites are the reigning champions.
“Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is the pinnacle of domestic cricket in Pakistan as it is not just a tournament but also an event that showcases the immense talent across the country and prepares them for the challenges of international cricket,” Abdullah Niazi, the director of domestic operations, said in a statement.
“As always, we will continue to provide the best possible platform for players to excel and show their capabilities on the biggest stage in domestic cricket as they will be rubbing their shoulders with the best players of the country. Earlier we demonstrated a successful Champions One-Day Cup, and are fully committed to strengthening our domestic structure. The successful execution of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy remains at the heart of this commitment.”
A few days ago, there were very few chances for this tournament to be played this year. It looks like the tournament was postponed, with the domestic cricket department awaiting the chairman’s sign-off for the tournament. The QeA was planned to start on October 20.
The delayed start of the tournament on October 26 reflects a significant change in schedule, as only two of the past fifteen years have seen a similar late start of the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board planned to host the Champions One-Day Cup in September, allowing for a focused tournament in the first-class competition.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi:
“I am pleased to announce that the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy has been formally approved. This tournament holds immense importance in the structure of Pakistan’s domestic cricket and its continuation ensures the cultivation of talent for our national team.”
He further said,
“The tournament will provide young and emerging players the opportunity to showcase their skills and stake a claim to represent the Men’s international team. The expansion of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy from eight to 18 teams this year increases the talent pool and allows more regions to participate at the highest level.”
The PCB chair said that the preparations are ensured to be of the highest standards.
“I have personally instructed all concerned officials to ensure that the arrangements for this tournament are of the highest standard. The PCB is committed to providing the best environment for players to perform at their best and for the tournament to run smoothly and professionally.”
A total of 45 group matches will be played in the tournament which will be hosted by six cities – Abbottabad, Charsadda, Gujranwala, Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. A total of 18 teams are being divided into three groups. Abbottabad Region, Faisalabad Region, Hyderabad Region, Islamabad Region, Lahore Region Whites, and Larkana Region are placed in Group A. AJK Region, Bahawalpur Region, Karachi Region Whites, Multan Region, Peshawar Region, and Rawalpindi Region are placed in Group B, while Dera Murad Jamali, FATA Region, Karachi Region Blues, Lahore Region Blues, Quetta Region and Sialkot Region are in Group C.
