PCB plans to restructure tournaments, add five teams

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set for a major overhaul of the domestic cricket structure for the 2024-25 season.

The PCB plans to introduce elite teams. Five brand new teams will be incorporated into the domestic circuit. These teams will participate in separate “champions tournaments” across all formats – First-Class, List A (One-Day), and T20. The “champions tournament” will feature top-tier cricketers.

The PCB has identified the top 150 performers based on recent seasons. These players will be divided into squads of 30 each, with dedicated mentors for guidance and support. Five renowned former cricketers will be brought in as mentors to further elevate the professionalism and development of these new teams.

The Pakistan Cup will be discontinued. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (First-Class) and National T20 Cup will remain. The President’s Trophy (First-Class) will include nine teams. A new Champions One-Day Cup will be introduced to accommodate the new teams alongside the existing President’s Cup (List A).

The five new teams will be active throughout the year. The domestic season commences on September 1st, 2024. An official said: “The PCB’s vision behind this revamp is to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket. By creating a high-performance environment with elite teams and dedicated support structures, the PCB aims to nurture top talent and prepare them for the international stage. However, the success of this new structure will depend on its execution and long-term sustainability.”