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Business Recorder
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
PCB unfolds domestic cricket calendar for 2025-26 season
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Monday announced the domestic cricket calendar for the 2025-26 season, with an emphasis on increased competitiveness, highlighted by an eight-team Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (first-class) tournament. The domestic season will commence on 15th August with the 12-team Hanif Mohammad Trophy (non-first-class) being staged in Karachi, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan. The teams are divided into two pools, with 31 matches scheduled in the four-day tournament. The top two sides will qualify for this season's premier first-class competition – Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The 12 regional sides participating in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy are the same teams that competed in last season's Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Based on last season's standings, these are: Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, FATA, Lahore Region Blues, Hyderabad, Karachi Region Blues, Karachi Region Whites, Multan, Quetta, DM Jamali, AJK and Larkana. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will feature Lahore Region Whites, Sialkot, Peshawar, Islamabad, Abbottabad, Bahawalpur and the two qualifying teams. The tournament is set to begin on 22nd September and will comprise 29 matches in a single-league format, with the final scheduled from 3rd to 7th November. Matches will be held at four venues across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with further details to be announced in due course. To further enhance competitiveness, a qualifying stage has also been introduced for the National T20. 10 teams – Abbottabad, Multan, Quetta, Bahawalpur, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, FATA, Larkana, DM Jamali, and AJK will compete in the qualifier round. These teams will be divided into two pools, with the top two sides progressing to the National T20 (Super 10) tournament, which will be held in Faisalabad from 1st to 12th March. The eight teams automatically qualified for the Super 10 stage are: Karachi Region Whites, Lahore Region Whites, Peshawar, Karachi Region Blues, Sialkot, Islamabad and Faisalabad. Four departmental tournaments – President's Trophy (four-day, first-class), President's Cup (One-Day), President's Trophy Grade II and President's Trophy Grade III will also feature in this domestic season. PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed said, 'We are pleased to unveil a domestic structure that places merit, opportunity and competitiveness at its core. The 2025-26 season has been designed to provide a clear pathway for teams and players to progress based on performance, not reputation.' He said, 'Introducing a qualifier for both the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and the National T20 ensures that every match in our domestic calendar carries significant weight. This not only raises the standard of competition but also fosters a high-performance culture across all formats. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will now feature the most in-form and deserving teams, while the Hanif Mohammad Trophy gives 12 regions a meaningful chance to stake their claim. Similarly, the Super 10 format of the National T20 is a step towards creating more high-intensity, quality cricket.' He also said, 'Our aim is to reward performance and create a vibrant environment where players and teams are constantly challenged. This structure lays the foundation for a long-term growth and helps us prepare future stars for the demands of international cricket.' Director – Domestic Cricket Operations Abdullah Khurram Niazi said, 'The 2025-26 domestic season reflects our commitment to building a competitive and inclusive structure that nurtures talent at every level, from grassroots to senior cricket. By aligning our tournaments across age-group and senior formats, we are creating a clear development pathway for young cricketers.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Domestic season begins on Aug 15
The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is set to begin on 22 September and will comprise 29 matches in a single-league format. Photo: PCB/File The Pakistan Cricket Board today announces the domestic cricket calendar for the 2025-26 season, with an emphasis on increased competitiveness, highlighted by an eight-team Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (first-class) tournament. The domestic season will commence on 15 August with the 12-team Hanif Mohammad Trophy (non-first-class) being staged in Karachi, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan. The teams are divided into two pools, with 31 matches scheduled in the four-day tournament. The top two sides will qualify for this season's premier first-class competition – Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The 12 regional sides participating in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy are the same teams that competed in last season's Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Based on last season's standings, these are: Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, FATA, Lahore Region Blues, Hyderabad, Karachi Region Blues, Karachi Region Whites, Multan, Quetta, D.M Jamali, AJK and Larkana. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will feature Lahore Region Whites, Sialkot, Peshawar, Islamabad, Abbottabad, Bahawalpur and the two qualifying teams. The tournament is set to begin on 22 September and will comprise 29 matches in a single-league format, with the final scheduled from 3 to 7 November. Matches will be held at four venues across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with further details to be announced in due course. To further enhance competitiveness, a qualifying stage has also been introduced for the National T20. 10 teams – Abbottabad, Multan, Quetta, Bahawalpur, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, FATA, Larkana, D.M. Jamali, and AJK will compete in the qualifier round. These teams will be divided into two pools, with the top two sides progressing to the National T20 (Super 10) tournament, which will be held in Faisalabad from 1 to 12 March. The eight teams automatically qualified for the Super 10 stage are: Karachi Region Whites, Lahore Region Whites, Peshawar, Karachi Region Blues, Sialkot, Islamabad and Faisalabad. Four departmental tournaments – President's Trophy (four-day, first-class), President's Cup (One-Day), President's Trophy Grade II and President's Trophy Grade III will also feature in this domestic season. PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed: "We are pleased to unveil a domestic structure that places merit, opportunity and competitiveness at its core. The 2025-26 season has been designed to provide a clear pathway for teams and players to progress based on performance, not reputation. "Introducing a qualifier for both the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and the National T20 ensures that every match in our domestic calendar carries significant weight. This not only raises the standard of competition but also fosters a high-performance culture across all formats. "The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will now feature the most in-form and deserving teams, while the Hanif Mohammad Trophy gives 12 regions a meaningful chance to stake their claim. Similarly, the Super 10 format of the National T20 is a step towards creating more high-intensity, quality cricket. "Our aim is to reward performance and create a vibrant environment where players and teams are constantly challenged. This structure lays the foundation for a long-term growth and helps us prepare future stars for the demands of international cricket." Director – Domestic Cricket Operations Abdullah Khurram Niazi: "The 2025-26 domestic season reflects our commitment to building a competitive and inclusive structure that nurtures talent at every level, from grassroots to senior cricket. By aligning our tournaments across age-group and senior formats, we are creating a clear development pathway for young cricketers. "We have placed equal emphasis on both regional and departmental cricket. The inclusion of a first-class and a one-day tournament exclusively for departments, along with Grade II and Grade III departmental competitions, ensures departments remain a vital pillar of our domestic cricket system. "We are looking forward to U15, U17 and U19 age-group tournaments this season. These competitions will serve as vital stepping stones for young talent, helping us identify and groom future national stars early in their careers. "Also, the top performers of the Hanif Mohammad Trophy will not only be recognised as guest players by the top regions in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, but they will also be considered for domestic contracts, a move aimed at incentivising excellence."
Business Recorder
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Unpicked to unstoppable: Farhan powers United's charge in PSL 10
Sahibzada Farhan, Islamabad United's in-form opener, has been one of the standout performers in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season. Despite going undrafted in January, Farhan forced his way into the squad after a stellar National T20 Cup campaign, where he amassed 605 runs in seven matches at a staggering strike rate of 189.66 and an average of 121. His tally included three centuries and two fifties for the Peshawar Region. Sahibzada Farhan joins Islamabad United after stellar National T20 performance In the ongoing PSL, Farhan has continued that form, scoring 245 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 161.18, including a match-winning century and a half-century. Speaking exclusively to PCB Digital, Farhan reflected on his journey. 'I had performed well in the National T20, and I knew there were still places available in the teams,' he said. 'I would like to give credit to Islamabad United for picking me first.' Asked about the secret behind his recent consistency, Farhan said, 'I've been performing for the last four years, especially in four-day cricket over the past two seasons. In the last year, I've also been among the top performers in the One-Day format. I've been working on improving my strike rate, and if I get the opportunity to play for Pakistan again, I want to maintain that intent at the international level.' Islamabad United target back-to-back PSL titles with proven formula On the role given to him by Islamabad United, Farhan added, 'They've given me a free hand to play my natural game. Sometimes, Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha guide me in the nets, but I focus on executing the shots I've already worked on in previous events.' Reflecting on his first PSL century—scored against Peshawar Zalmi in Rawalpindi on April 14—Farhan said, 'I was confident from the beginning that I could get a century this season. I had set my sights high, and I believe that was one of my best innings. I'm hoping to repeat that performance in the coming games.' Farhan also spoke about rejoining Islamabad United, a team he previously represented in 2018 and 2019. 'Islamabad United isn't a new side for me. I know Shadab both as a player and a captain. I'm enjoying my time here and trying to improve my batting every day.' Currently topping the points table with 10 points from six matches, Islamabad United has won five games in PSL X, with their only loss coming against Lahore Qalandars on Wednesday night at Gaddafi Stadium, ending a five-match winning streak. Despite their strong position, Farhan emphasised that the team is not taking anything for granted. 'We're not going to relax after five wins. The tournament is still wide open, and our focus is firmly on qualifying for the playoffs.'
Express Tribune
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Unbeaten Islamabad United add another explosive batter to HBL PSL X squad
Listen to article Islamabad United, three-time Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions, have strengthened their squad for the ongoing PSL 2025 season with the addition of explosive batter Mohammad Faiq. The defending champions announced the inclusion of the promising domestic talent on April 29, aiming to bolster their already formidable batting lineup. The replacement comes as two United batters, Matt Short and Rassie van der Dussen, have been ruled out of the ongoing HBL PSL. The 23-year-old has made a name for himself in domestic cricket with his aggressive batting style. On March 18, 2025, he scored an unbeaten 116 off 56 balls for Lahore Whites in the National T20 tournament in Faisalabad, including 12 fours and 6 sixes. This was his second T20 century, following a 110 not out off 60 balls in the 2023-24 National T20 season. Faiq's recent performances have caught the attention of selectors, with fans on social media praising his ability to score quickly. With Islamabad United currently leading the PSL 2025 points table, unbeaten so far, the team hopes that Faiq's addition will help them secure a fourth title. The team will face Multan Sultans next on May 1 in Rawalpindi.
Express Tribune
18-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
WATCH: Shoaib Malik's confrontation with rude fan during National T20 Cup match
Shoaib Malik played a pivotal role in guiding Sialkot to a crucial victory over Multan in the National T20 Cup at Gaddafi Stadium on Monday night. The veteran all-rounder's composed 43 off 33 balls provided stability in a tense chase, ensuring his side successfully overhauled Multan's 147/8. However, it was Malik's confrontation after his innings with a rude fan that had social media debating. Upon completion of his innings, Malik was walking back to the pavilion when a fan asked him to remove his helmet directly. Malik, clearly offended by the tone of the fan, asked if he talked to his family members in the same tone. After being put in to bat first, Multan struggled for momentum despite a crucial 55 off 42 balls from Muhammad Shahzad. Imam-ul-Haq contributed 41 off 33, while a late flourish from Waseem Akram Jnr (27 off 17) pushed the total to a competitive 147. Hasan Ali led Sialkot's bowling attack with three wickets, while Ali Raza claimed two. Chasing 148, Sialkot got off to a cautious start before Abdullah Shafique took control with a fluent 57 off 41 balls. Malik, coming in at No. 4, anchored the innings with a steady hand, striking five fours and a six at a strike rate of 130.30. His experience proved vital as Sialkot completed the chase in 19.3 overs. However, social media had a mixed reaction to Malik playing. Some fans praised his innings, stating his experience was key to Sialkot's victory. Where are shoaib malik's haters now. Are they in theirs holes? Shoaib malik scored 43 off 33 match winning inning.#NationalT20 — Rana Salman (@RanaSalman48283) March 17, 2025 Others, however, were more criticial. Some were questioning why Malik was given the opportunity in place of a youngster and what impact it might have on Pakistan's cricket moving forward. jb tak ye babey cricket ke jan nahi chorey gey tb tak cricket sai nahi ko wasim Akram b ajaye ga khelney — Muhammad Amir (@MAmir98079) March 17, 2025 PCB mentor Shoaib Malik Playing for Sialkot Team. Ye Haal hai Pakistan Cricket Ka. Is sy cricket Uper jaye gi young talent ka haq mar KY Na fikar na Sharm na leyaz 🙏🙏@cric_pundit @GhaffarDawnNews @AbdurRoufKhan6 @AhmerNajeeb #shoaibmalik #PAKvNZ #BabarAzam — malik ksshif (@KsshifMalik) March 17, 2025
