(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
PCB Unveils New Three-Tier Departmental Cricket Structure for 2025-26 Season
In a major overhaul of Pakistan’s domestic cricket setup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the launch of a three-tier Departmental Cricket structure for the 2025–26 season, aimed at promoting competitiveness, transparency, and growth at all levels of the game.
🏏 New Format to Boost Domestic Cricket
Set to begin in August 2025 and run through May 2026, the revamped format introduces a three-tier system—Grade-I, Grade-II, and the newly added Grade-III—replacing the previous two-tier model.
Over 40 departmental teams from across Pakistan are expected to take part in First-class, List-A, three-day, and two-day matches, giving players across the country more opportunities to compete and rise through the ranks.
📊 How the New Tiers Will Work
🔹 Grade-III (New Addition):
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Debuts March–April 2026
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Features two-day matches
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Top 2 teams earn promotion to Grade-II
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Bottom 2 from Grade-II will be relegated
🔹 Grade-II:
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Hosts 14 teams
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Includes 12 qualifiers and 2 relegated teams from Grade-I
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Matches run from March to May 2026
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The winner earns promotion to elite Grade-I status
🔹 Grade-I:
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Reserved for top-tier departmental teams
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Will continue hosting First-class and List-A competitions
In the near future, the PCB also plans to introduce a 50-over competition for Grade-II teams, further expanding match exposure.
👩🏫 Women’s Cricket Also in Focus
As part of this initiative, several departments are planning to form women’s cricket teams, a positive move toward building a strong women’s domestic structure. The PCB is expected to share more on this development in the coming months.
📈 A Vision for Competitive and Sustainable Growth
With this landmark restructuring, the PCB aims to strengthen the talent pipeline feeding into the national team and to provide a clear pathway for rising stars in Pakistan’s cricket scene. The new structure also aligns with global cricketing standards, emphasizing merit-based promotion and relegation.
Stay tuned for more updates as the 2025–26 domestic cricket season unfolds and marks the beginning of a new era for cricket in Pakistan.
