PCB Announces New Domestic Cricket Structure for 2026–27 Season
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a revised domestic cricket structure for the 2026–27 season, introducing changes to first-class, limited-overs, departmental, and age-group competitions.
According to the PCB, the updated format is designed to expand playing opportunities and strengthen the country’s domestic cricket system.
Quaid-e-Azam Trophy to Feature Gold and Silver Divisions
The premier first-class tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, will now consist of 20 regional teams divided into two divisions:
- Gold Division: 8 teams
- Silver Division: 12 teams
Both divisions will have first-class status.
The Gold Division teams will each play seven matches before the top two sides qualify for the final. In the Silver Division, the 12 teams will be split into two groups of six, with the group winners meeting in the final.
A promotion and relegation system will also be introduced. The Silver Division champions will earn promotion to the Gold Division for the 2027–28 season, while the lowest-performing Gold Division team will move down.
More Regions to Field Multiple Teams
Under the new structure, Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Peshawar will each field two first-class teams, while the remaining regions will continue to be represented by one team.
The revised format expands first-class participation compared to previous seasons.
Hanif Mohammad Trophy Renamed
The PCB has upgraded the Hanif Mohammad Trophy to first-class status and renamed it the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Silver, making it part of the board’s new two-tier domestic system.
Limited-Overs Competitions
For the 2026–27 season, the PCB has confirmed:
- A four-team List A tournament, with participating teams selected by the board.
- An eight-team National Departmental One-Day Cup.
The domestic calendar also includes separate Gold and Silver divisions for the National T20 Cup.
Departmental Cricket Continues
Departmental cricket will remain part of the domestic schedule through:
- President’s Cup Grade-I
- President’s Trophy Grade-I
- President’s Trophy Grade-II Gold
- President’s Trophy Grade-II Silver
Focus on Youth Cricket
The PCB has also announced the return of the National Under-19 Three-Day Championship after a three-year gap.
In addition:
- Twenty regional Under-19 teams will compete in a 50-over tournament.
- Under-15 and Under-17 competitions will continue as part of the domestic pathway.
The board also said its Talent Hunt Programme has expanded from 450 schools to 1,200 schools across 100 districts, aiming to identify and develop young cricket talent across Pakistan.
PCB Highlights Development Opportunities
PCB Senior General Manager for Domestic Cricket Operations Osama Sharoon said the updated domestic calendar is intended to create more opportunities for players at different levels.
According to the PCB, the combination of regional first-class cricket, departmental competitions, and expanded youth tournaments is expected to support player development and strengthen Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure in the coming season.
