2025–26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy
| Dates | 22 September – 7 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Administrator(s) | Pakistan Cricket Board |
| Cricket format | First-class |
| Tournament format(s) | Round-robin, finals |
| Host(s) | Pakistan |
| Participants | 8 |
| Matches | 29 |
The 2025–26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is an upcoming first-class domestic cricket competition scheduled to be held in Pakistan during the 2025–26 season from 22 September to 7 November 2025.[1][2] It will be the 69th edition of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, and it will be contested by 8 teams representing regional cricket associations.[3][4]
Background
[edit]For the 2025–26 season, the PCB announced a revamped domestic cricket structure, reducing the number of teams in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy from 18 in the 2024–25 season to eight, aiming to elevate the standard of competition.[5] This decision followed criticism of the previous seasons expanded format, which included 18 teams across three pools, leading to concerns about dilution of quality.[6] The new structure emphasizes merit-based participation, with six teams retained from the previous seasons standings and two additional teams qualifying through the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, a non-first-class tournament featuring 12 regional sides.[7] The 2025–26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will feature 29 four-day matches across four venues, with the top performers from the Hanif Mohammad Trophy (scheduled to held from 15 August to 17 September 2025) earning spots in the tournament. This qualification system is designed to reward performance and ensure that only the most in-form teams compete in the premier first-class event.[8] The PCB has highlighted that the restructured format aims to foster a high-performance culture, with top performers from the Hanif Mohammad Trophy also considered for domestic contracts and guest player roles in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.[9]
Teams and qualification
[edit]The eight participating teams for the 2025–26 season, include six retained regional sides based on their performance in the 2024–25 season and the remaining two spots will be filled by the top two teams from the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, which includes 12 regions: Abbottabad, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Bahawalpur, Dera Murad Jamali, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Karachi Region Blues, Karachi Region Whites, Lahore Region Blues, Larkana, Multan, and Quetta.[10] This selection process underscores the PCB’s focus on competitive merit and regional representation.
| Method of qualification | Berths | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (Top 6 teams from the previous tournament) |
6 |
Abbottabad |
| Bahawalpur | ||
| Islamabad | ||
| Lahore Whites | ||
| Peshawar | ||
| Sialkot | ||
| Top 2 teams from the Hanif Mohammad Trophy | 2 |
TBD |
| TBD |
Format
[edit]The tournament will follow a round-robin format, with each of the eight teams playing against one another. The top teams will advance to a final to determine the champion. Matches will be hosted across four venues in Pakistan, ensuring accessibility and high-quality facilities.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ "Competitive Quaid-e-Azam Trophy headlines PCB's 2025-26 domestic calendar". Pakistan Cricket Board. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "PCB drops 18-team plan, brings back eight-team QAT format". Daily Times. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "PCB announces domestic cricket calendar for 2025–26 season". Geo Super TV. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "PCB unveils domestic cricket calendar 2025–26". Aaj TV. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "Another domestic overhaul: PCB cuts down QeA trophy, culls Champions Cup tournaments". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25 begins tomorrow". Pakistan Cricket Board. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Revamped as PCB Announces Full 2025-26 Domestic Schedule". Pro Sports. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "Karachi lose top-tier status in domestic structure revamp". Cricbuzz. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "PCB domestic committee discusses structural changes ahead of new season". A Sports. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "PCB Under Fire for Dropping 21-Time Champions Karachi from Domestic Cricket". Telecom Asia Sport. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "PCB unveils domestic cricket schedule for 2025–26 season". Cricket Pakistan. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
