(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
PCB Unveils Revamped 2025–26 Domestic Cricket Calendar with Focus on Merit and Development
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a restructured and action-packed domestic cricket schedule for the 2025–26 season, promising a renewed focus on merit, competitiveness, and clear progression pathways across all levels of the game.
🔥 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Returns to Elite 8-Team Format
One of the biggest changes this season is the return of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy to a streamlined 8-team format, down from 18 teams. The PCB aims to raise the standard of domestic cricket by allowing only the top regional teams to compete. The tournament will run from September 22 to November 7, 2025, across Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with 29 four-day matches scheduled.
But before the main tournament kicks off, 12 regional teams will fight for qualification in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, a non-first-class competition that begins on August 15. The top two teams will earn their place in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy—a move the PCB says will “reward performance, not reputation.”
⚡ National T20 Cup Gets New Format
The National T20 Cup is also being revamped. A qualifier stage featuring 10 regional sides will take place in February 2026, with the top two teams advancing to the Super 10 stage in Faisalabad in March. This new structure aims to keep the competition fierce and the talent pool dynamic.
🏢 Departmental Cricket Stays Strong
Recognizing the importance of departmental cricket for player employment and development, the PCB has retained all key departmental tournaments:
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President’s Trophy (First-Class)
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President’s Cup (One-Day)
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Grade II and Grade III Departmental Competitions
These formats offer job security and competitive opportunities to cricketers outside the regional system.
🧒 Youth and Grassroots Cricket Prioritized
In a major boost for talent development, the 2025–26 calendar includes:
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National U15, U17 & U19 Cups
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Regional Inter-District Competitions
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Club, School, College & University Cricket Tournaments
These platforms ensure that the next generation of stars is constantly nurtured through structured competitive cricket at all levels.
📅 Complete PCB Domestic Cricket Schedule 2025–26
| Tournament | Dates | Teams | Matches | Format | Venues |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanif Mohammad Trophy (non-FC) | Aug 15 – Sep 17, 2025 | 12 | 31 | Four-day | — |
| National U19 Cup | Sep 1 – 16, 2025 | 18 | 49 | One-day | 9 venues |
| Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (First-Class) | Sep 22 – Nov 7, 2025 | 8 | 29 | Four-day | 4 venues |
| President’s Cup (One-Day, Dept) | Nov 24 – Dec 10, 2025 | 8 | 31 | One-day | 4 venues |
| President’s Trophy (First-Class, Dept) | Dec 15, 2025 – Jan 30, 2026 | 8 | 29 | First-Class | 4 venues |
| National T20 Qualifier | Feb 3 – 11, 2026 | 12 | 30 | T20 | 6 venues |
| National T20 Super 10 | Mar 1 – 12, 2026 | 10 | 23 | T20 | Faisalabad |
| National U17 Cup | Mar 28 – Apr 12, 2026 | 18 | 49 | One-day | 9 venues |
| National U15 Cup | Apr 16 – May 1, 2026 | 18 | 49 | One-day | 9 venues |
| President’s Trophy Grade II (3-Day, Dept) | Mar 28 – May 3, 2026 | 14 | 46 | Three-day | 6 venues |
| President’s Trophy Grade III (2-Day, Dept) | Mar 28 – Apr 23, 2026 | 14 | 46 | Two-day | 6 venues |
| Regional Inter-District U19 | Mar 28 – Apr 10, 2026 | — | 110 | — | — |
| Challenge League (Two-Day) | Oct 1 – Nov 10, 2025 | — | — | Two-day | — |
| Regional Inter-District Seniors | May 10 – Jun 10, 2026 | — | — | — | — |
| Club Cricket Tournament | Nov 2025 – Jun 2026 | — | — | — | — |
| School Cricket | Sep – Oct 2025 | — | — | — | — |
| College Cricket | Oct – Nov 2025 | — | — | — | — |
| University Cricket | Nov – Dec 2025 | — | — | — | — |
📈 A Clear Pathway for Pakistan’s Cricket Future
With a packed calendar and a renewed focus on rewarding performance, the PCB’s 2025–26 domestic season promises to be one of the most comprehensive and competitive in recent years. It’s a bold step toward ensuring Pakistan produces players ready for the international stage.
