Here’s The Schedule For Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally announced the schedule for the 2024-25 season of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the country’s premier domestic first-class competition.

In a formal press release, the PCB announced that the defending champions of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Karachi Region Whites, will start their campaign against Peshawar Region on October 26 at Ashfaq Ground in Charsadda, which has been added as a new first-class venue.

The tournament features 18 teams from 16 regions, split into three groups. The leading team from each group will move on to the triangular stage. In the triangular stage, the top team from each group will play two matches, and the top two teams will qualify for the final, scheduled for December 14 to 18. The venues for the triangular stage and final will be announced later.

A total prize pool of PKR 12.6 million is at stake, with the tournament winner earning PKR 7.5 million and the runners-up receiving PKR 4 million.

According to the tournament format 45 group-stage matches will be played across various cities. Group A matches will take place at Islamabad’s Diamond Ground, Marghazar Ground, and National Ground. Group B fixtures will be held at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Ashfaq Ground in Charsadda, and Rawalpindi’s Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium. Group C games will be played at Gujranwala’s Jinnah Cricket Stadium, Saeed Sports City in Lahore, and Rana Naveed Academy in Sheikhupura.

The 18 teams are divided into three groups: Group A includes Abbottabad Region, Faisalabad Region, Hyderabad Region, Islamabad Region, Lahore Region Whites, and Larkana Region. Group B features AJK Region, Bahawalpur Region, Karachi Region Whites, Multan Region, Peshawar Region, and Rawalpindi Region. Group C consists of Dera Murad Jamali, FATA Region, Karachi Region Blues, Lahore Region Blues, Quetta Region, and Sialkot Region.

Each team will play at least five matches in the group stage, with the top team from each group advancing to the triangular stage.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that the expansion of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy from eight to 18 teams this year provides an opportunity to increase the talent pool and allows more regions to participate at the highest level.

“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.” the chairman concluded