Tag: PCB

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday, provided an update on pacers Ihsanullah, Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah’s injuries and rehabilitation process.

Ihsanullah, who has featured for Pakistan in one ODI and four T20Is, suffered an elbow injury. The 20-year-old has been ruled out from international cricket since playing for Pakistan in the ODI series against New Zealand at home this year in April.

Meanwhile, the PCB shared that the lanky pacer underwent surgery here in the first week of September and was placed in an elbow brace for four weeks.

“Ihsanullah had to undergo surgery in a private hospital in Lahore. A doctor was flown in from England to operate Ihsanullah in the first week of September,” PCB stated.

“After the operation, the fast bowler was placed in an elbow brace for four weeks, with a doctor and physio attending him on a daily basis.

“His condition is satisfactory and the brace will be removed at the end of fifth week. Afterwards, he will proceed with rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.”

For the unversed, another right-arm pacer Mohammad Hasnain sustained an ankle injury during the Lanka Premier League (LPL) in August and has been out of action since then.

“23-year-old Hasnain sustained an ankle injury while playing in the Sri Lanka Premier League in August,” said PCB.

“He travelled to England from Sri Lanka and had an MRI. The scans revealed the fast bowler requires rehabilitation for his ankle, which is under process since 13 September in England.”

The PCB also provided an update regarding Pakistan’s first-choice pacer Naseem Shah, who was ruled out of the ICC World Cup 2023 in India due to a shoulder injury, which he sustained during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023.

He was then replaced by experienced pacer Hasan Ali in Pakistan’s squad for the World Cup.

“20-year-old Naseem got injured during Asia Cup, ruling him out of the ICC World Cup 2023,” PCB stated.

“Following the injury, the fast bowler underwent shoulder surgery earlier last week. During the operation, he remained absolutely stable and was discharged from the hospital the next day.

“He will be attended by two physiotherapists for his rehabilitation initially at the hospital and also later at the training ground and gym.

“During this entire period, he will be continuously monitored and the doctor who operated on him will see him again in the third week of October.”

READ: Pakistan squad partakes in training session ahead of Sri Lanka clash

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today unveiled the schedule for five tournaments in the upcoming 2023-24 men’s domestic cricket season.

The schedule for the two U19 tournaments, along with department tournaments, will be announced in due course.

The 2023-24 domestic cricket season will commence with 29 matches of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy starting on September 10 and concluding on October 26.

The eight-team regional tournament will begin at Gaddafi Stadium, with Lahore Region Whites facing Lahore Region Blues on Sunday, September 10 while the other first-round matches include Peshawar Region vs Karachi Region Whites at Abbottabad Stadium, Faisalabad Region vs Multan Region at Shoaib Akhtar Stadium KRL Rawalpindi, and FATA Region vs Rawalpindi Region at Pindi Cricket Stadium.

The final will also be staged at the iconic Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from October 22 to 26.

Schedule of the red-ball tournaments Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24 and Hanif Mohammad Trophy 2023-24 👇

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/HvMmqM4fnP pic.twitter.com/29wvr0jxiw

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 6, 2023

The non-first-class tournament, Hanif Mohammad Trophy, will also start concurrently with the Quaid-e-Azam trophy on September 10, featuring 10 regions in two groups.

The top two sides from each group at the end of the group stage will qualify for the Super 4 stage, where each team in that stage will play three matches. At the end of the Super 4 stage, the top side will qualify for next year’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

The matches of the Hanif Mohammad Trophy will be played in Mirpur, Multan, Muzaffarabad, and Rahim Yar Khan.

The one-day tournaments, the Pakistan Cup and Hanif Mohammad Cup, will follow the conclusion of the red-ball tournaments, both starting on November 1.

Pakistan Cup will be hosted in Abbottabad, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. The semi-finals will be played on November 16 and 17 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, while the final will take place on November 19 at the same venue.

Meanwhile, the Hanif Mohammad Cup will begin on November 1 and will be hosted in AJK, Faisalabad, Multan, and Rahim Yar Khan.

Like the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, the winner of the Hanif Mohammad Cup will be the side topping the Super 4 stage.

The two-leg National T20 will be held in Karachi from November 24 to December 10. In the first leg, all 18 regional sides will compete to qualify for the Super 8, which will be played from December 1 to 8.

The semi-finals of the tournament will be played on December 9, while the final will take place the next day.

The venue for the three knockout matches will be Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.

PCB 2023-24 men’s domestic cricket calendar:

10 Sep-26 Oct – Quaid-e-Azam Trophy; Abbottabad, Lahore and Rawalpindi

10 Sep-25 Oct – Hanif Mohammad Trophy; AJK, Multan and Rahim Yar Khan

1 Nov-19 Nov – Pakistan Cup; Abbottabad, Islamabad and Rawalpindi

1 Nov-16 Nov – Hanif Mohammad Cup; AJK, Faisalabad, Multan and Rahim Yar Khan.

24 Nov-10 Dec – National T20; Karachi

READ: Australia unveil squad for ICC ODI World Cup 2023

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced regional coaches for the upcoming domestic cricket season 2023-24.

There are 14 Test cricketers and seven international cricketers who will be involved in the coaching panel for the domestic season starting on 10 September.

The appointments have been made after carrying out a robust review process, keeping in view the needs of the upcoming players across all formats of the game and to further upskilling the coaches by challenging them in different environments. The process was carried out by the Cricket Technical Committee (CTC), regional presidents and the domestic department. Due to his prior commitment, Mohammad Hafeez couldn’t become a part of the process for these appointments.

The coaches include 14 Test cricketers who will coach different sides in the regional tournament in the forthcoming season. They are Ijaz Ahmed Jnr (head coach, Lahore Whites), Riaz Afridi (head coach, FATA), Arshad Khan (head coach, Peshawar), Aizaz Cheema (bowling coach, Lahore Whites), Humayun Farhat (age-group, Lahore Whites), Rao Iftikhar Anjum (age-group, Lahore Blues), Zahoor Elahi (batting coach, Multan), Shahid Nazir (age-group, Faisalabad), Azam Khan (non-first-class head coach, Larkana), Irfan Fazil (age-group, Multan), Qaiser Abbas (non-first-class Islamabad), Akram Raza (non-first-class, head coach AJK), Junaid Khan (non-first-class, head coach Islamabad) and Abdul Rauf (non-first-class, bowling coach AJK).

Also, among the coaches, seven are former international cricketers. They are Masoor Amjad, Zafar Iqbal, Shoaib Khan, Ghulam Ali, RiffatUllah Khan, Faisal Athar and SamiUllah Niazi.

The upcoming men’s season will commence on 10 September with the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy pitting top regional teams against each other, following which, the top eight departments will feature in the President’s Trophy, starting December 15.

READ: Pakistan’s Playing XI for Asia Cup 2023 opener against Nepal unveiled

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday awarded central contracts to 20 women cricketers, divided into four categories A, B C and D being an emerging category.

The uncapped trio of Anosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar are among the four players who are awarded central contracts for the first time. Umm-e-Hani, who made her debut last year against Ireland, is the fourth player to earn her maiden central contract.

The 20 players were offered central contracts last week for a duration of 23 months, commencing from 1 August 2023 to 30 June 2025. The performances of players will be assessed after a year. The contracts were signed by 19 players in Karachi during the series camp for South Africa. Eyman Fatima, who is not part of the white-ball series against South Africa, signed the contract in Lahore.

Captain Nida Dar and experienced Bismah Maroof have been retained in the A category, which sees a 19 per cent increase in their retainers. Sidra Amin, who is currently second in the list of top run-getters of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 with 535 runs from nine matches has jumped to the A category from C.

The B category, which sees an increase of 32 per cent in players’ retainers, is occupied by four players. Muneeba Ali, who scored a century in this year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, has been promoted from C to B category. Fast bowler Fatima Sana, who also captained Pakistan’s emerging women’s team in this year’s ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023 has been retained in the B category along with left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu. Aliya Riaz has been demoted from A to B category.

In the C category, wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz has retained her position, while spinners Ghulam Fatima and Sadia Iqbal have been promoted from the D to the C category. Diana Baig, who missed out on most of the last year due to a shoulder injury and later a finger injury has been demoted to C from B category. Omaima Sohail has been placed in the C category compared to the B category she was in last year’s central contracts list. The C category has a 19 per cent increase in player retainers.

The D category, also known as the emerging category, features a total of eight players. Leg-spinner Tuba Hassan and right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas have retained their spots in the category which will see them register a 21 per cent increase in their retainers. Left-arm spinner Anosha Nasir, right-handed batters Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar, all of whom represented Pakistan U19 in the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup this year, have earned their maiden contracts. Wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi and off-spinner Umm-e-Hani, both of whom represented Pakistan’s emerging team in the ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, are also part of the D category. Syeda Aroob Shah, who captained Pakistan U19 in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, makes a comeback in the central contract after missing out last year.

Anam Amin, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan and Kainat Imtiaz are the five players who have failed to retain this year’s central contract. All five players have been awarded the first-ever 11-month domestic contracts. Meanwhile, Ayesha Naseem, who retired from international cricket, is the sixth player to be left out from the contract.

Meanwhile, there is a 100 per cent increase in the match fee of players involved in an ODI match (playing and non-playing both). Also, there is a 50 per cent increase in match fees of players in a T20I match (playing and non-playing both).

Tania Mallick, Head of Women’s Cricket: “The extended contract duration reflects our anticipation of an action-packed international cricket calendar. We want our women cricketers to be fully prepared, physically and mentally, to face every challenge and celebrate every triumph that comes their way.

“The substantial increment in the monetary aspect of our women’s central contracts reflects our commitment to providing an environment where players can focus solely on their game. This also acknowledges the rising standard and influence of women’s cricket globally.

“Four outstanding players have earned their central contracts this year. This not only showcases the depth of talent in our women’s cricket but also encourages healthy competition and a spirit of excellence within the team.”

Saleem Jaffar, Chair of Women’s Selection Committee: “The selection committee is pleased to announce the players who have been awarded contracts, considering the extensive cricketing calendar that lies ahead. We believe in development of emerging talent, and these new contracts aim to give confidence in these players as they prepare for the upcoming cricket season.

“Our primary focus while awarding contracts for the next 23 months has been to recognise consistent performance and dedication displayed by the players throughout the ICC Women’s Championship cycle that began in 2022. The matches against Sri Lanka marked the inception of this evaluation, and we have precisely assessed each player’s contribution during this cycle.”

Women’s Central Contracts (1 August 2023 to 30 June 2025):

Category A (3) –Bismah Maroof, Nida Dar and Sidra Amin

Category B (4) – Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali and Nashra Sundhu

Category C (5) – Diana Baig, Ghulam Fatima, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal and Sidra Nawaz

Category D (8) – Anosha Nasir, Eyman Fatima, Najiha Alvi, Sadaf Shamas, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-Hani

Pakistan’s schedule in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25:

vs South Africa (all matches in Karachi)

1 Sep – First T20I v South Africa

3 Sep – Second T20I v South Africa

4 Sep – Third T20I v South Africa

8 Sep – First ODI v South Africa

11 Sep – Second ODI v South Africa

14 Sep – Third ODI v South Africa

Oct/Nov 2023 – Pakistan tour to Bangladesh (three ODIs & three T20Is)

Nov/Dec 2023 – Pakistan tour to New Zealand (three ODIs & three T20Is)

Apr/May 2024 – West Indies tour to Pakistan (three ODIs & five T20Is)

May 2024 – Pakistan tour to England (three ODIs & three T20Is)

Additional series

Sep 2023 – 19^th Asian Games, China

Oct/Nov 2023 – West Indies emerging team tour to Pakistan (three T20s and three one-days)

Jan 2024 – Pakistan U19 and Sri Lanka U19 in Bangladesh (tri-series)

READ: KL Rahul ruled out of Asia Cup match against Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board, as part of its continuous effort to unearth women cricketers at the grassroots level, will hold nationwide women’s cricket trials, across eight cricket academies from 23 to 31 August. These trials will provide an exceptional platform for talented female cricketers from various age categories to showcase their skills and progress to the higher levels of the game.

The trials will be conducted by the National Selection Committee, which comprises of chairperson and former Test cricketer Saleem Jaffar, former international cricketers Asmavia Iqbal and Marina Iqbal. The trials will be conducted for three age groups: U19, in which players who are born on or after 1 September 2004 are eligible; emerging and seniors categories.

The trials will help the selectors identify talent and select squads for Pakistan emerging and Pakistan U19 teams. Pakistan’s emerging side will compete against West Indies emerging team at home in October this year, while Pakistan U19 will feature in a triangular event involving Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Bangladesh in January 2024.

Head of Women’s Cricket Tania Mallick: “We have recently awarded first-ever domestic contracts to 74 women cricketers, setting the tone for a brighter future in women’s cricket. With the nationwide trials, we are eagerly poised to bring in a new wave of talented individuals forward.

“We have a great and exciting amount of women’s cricket events ahead, and these trials will help us identify splendid talent that the selectors can consider for the national teams’ squads.”

The following is the schedule of trials in eight academies.

• Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre, Karachi – 23 August
• Inzamam-ul-Haq High Performance Centre, Multan – 23 August
• Women Sports Stadium, Bahawalpur – 24 August
• Kinnard College for Women, Lahore – 24 August
• Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi/Islamabad – 28 August
• Qayyum Stadium, Peshawar – 29 August
• Abbottabad Stadium, Abbottabad – 30 August
• Bugti Stadium, Quetta – 31 August

READ: La Liga: Alaves edge Sevilla as Rayo Vallecano thump Granada

LAHORE: Six Pakistan internationals (men and women) cricketers are among the 30 participants who have registered for the six-day Level 2 Cricket Coach course.

The course will be held at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore from 18 to 23 August.

Pakistan international players include Aimen Anwar (8 ODIs, 37 T20Is), Imran Butt (6 Tests), Javeria Khan (116 ODIs, 112 T20Is), Javeria Rauf (4 ODIs, 13 T20Is), Mansoor Amjad (1 ODI, 1 T20I) and Sajid Khan (7 Tests).

The Level 2 course participants will be taught on advance coaching skills which include how to deduct errors and rectify them through video analysis.

This also includes work on communications skills, mental and physical strength, nutrition, planning and creating plans to help players graduate to the next level.

The course will be conducted by NCA coaches Shahid Aslam, Rahat Abbas Asadi, Imran Abbas, Rao Iftikhar Anjum, Mauhtashim Rashid, Umar Rashid, Saqib Faqir and Yasir Malik.

At the conclusion of the course, the participants will be given three months to complete their assignments. The successful participants will be awarded Level 2 coaching certificates.

Participants (in alphabetical order): Adnan Raees, Ahmed Ali, Aiman Anwar, Altaf Ahmad, Arun Lal, Atiq-ur-Rehman, Ayaz Hussain Jamali, Haroon Ahmad, Haziq Habib, Imran Ali, Imran Butt, Jahangir Mirza, Jahanzaib Khan, Javeria Khan, Javeria Rauf, Khaqan Arsal, Mansoor Amjad, Mansoor Khan, Mohammad Zahid, Muhammad Saleem, Mujahid Hamid, Rahim Baz Khan, Saeed Bin Nasir, Sajid Khan, Shahid Ali, Shahid Saddique, Shoaib Zikria, Snober Gul, Zafar Ali Katper and Zaka-ur-Rasheed.

READ: Pakistan team reaches Sri Lanka for Afghanistan series

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a significant development announced that 74 women cricketers have been awarded 11-month domestic contracts, the first of its kind in women’s cricket on Wednesday.

Among the 74 players, 59 players belong to emerging and U19 categories, while 14 players have already represented the Pakistan women’s team at the senior level.

This important advancement is set to provide a substantial boost to the confidence of women cricketers, as an action-packed women’s cricket season is all set to resume on 1 September.

These domestic contracts have been conferred upon individuals who have displayed remarkable performances across various cricketing platforms, including domestic cricket tournaments, emerging tournaments, U19 domestic tournaments, and the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup. The players have been selected by the national women’s selection committee led by former Test cricketer Saleem Jaffar, with recommendations from national and academy coaches. The initiative aims not only to acknowledge their hard work and dedication but also to elevate the standard of women’s cricket within the country.

The decision to offer these contracts underscores the commitment of the Pakistan Cricket Board led by the Management Committee Chairperson Mr Zaka Ashraf to foster the growth of women’s cricket, provide a viable career path, and motivate more women to participate and excel in the sport. This step will have a ripple effect on women’s cricket, encouraging more players to aspire to play at the highest level.

PCB Management Committee Head Zaka Ashraf: “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 74 women cricketers who have earned these contracts through their sheer talent and dedication. Today marks a significant and joyous occasion for the Pakistan Cricket Board as we take a historic step towards uplifting women’s cricket in our nation.

“This initiative isn’t just about signing contracts, it’s about investing in the dreams and aspirations of these extraordinary athletes. Our women cricketers have consistently showcased exceptional skills and dedication on the field, and it is high time we provide them with the platform they deserve.

“It is our firm belief that empowering these athletes will not only elevate the standard of our women’s cricket but also inspire a new generation of girls to take up the sport.”

Head of Women’s Cricket Tania Mallick: “We are thrilled to announce the awarding of domestic contracts to 74 of our finest women cricketers. This historic moment not only recognises their extraordinary skills but also aims to instil confidence and determination among our women athletes. As we approach a busy women’s cricket season, we are committed to providing the necessary support and resources to ensure their success.”

In addition to the domestic contracts, the PCB has also resumed facilities for women cricketers to train in eight cricket academies across the country, seven of which are operational. The operational academies include National Cricket Academy in Lahore, Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi, Inzamam-ul-Haq High-Performance Centre in Multan, Qayyum Stadium in Peshawar, Abbottabad Cricket Stadium in Abbottabad, Bugti Stadium in Quetta and Women’s Sports Stadium in Bahawalpur.

Players who have been offered domestic contracts will not be a part of the women’s central contracts 2023-24, which will be announced in due course. The players in the domestic contracts, in addition to receiving monthly retainers, will also receive a match fee, daily allowance, and a share in prize money.

The 74 players along with their cities in alphabetical order are:

Aima Saleem (Rawalpindi), Aimen Anwar (Karachi), Aisha Javed (Lahore), Aleena Shah (Peshawar), Aliza Khan (Karachi), Amber Kainat (Lahore), Anam Amin (Lahore), Areesha Noor Bhatti (Lahore), Arijah Haseeb (Karachi), Asma Amin (Faisalabad), Asma Shareef (Arifwala), Ayesha Asim (Quetta), Ayesha Bilal (Lahore), Ayesha Zafar (Lahore), Dina Razvi (Karachi), Dua Majid (Lahore), Fajr Naveed (Rawalpindi), Fareeha Mehmood (Lahore), Fatima Khan (Lahore), Fatima Shahid (Lahore), Fatima Zehra (Rawalpindi), Gul-e-Uswa (Multan), Gull Feroza (Multan), Gull Rukh (Dera Ghazi Khan), Haleema Azeem Dar (Lahore), Haniah Ahmer (Karachi), Humna Bilal (Rawalpindi), Huraina Sajjad (Karachi), Iram Javed (Lahore), Jannat Rasheed (Quetta), Javeria Khan (Karachi), Jaweria Rauf (Karachi), Kainat Imtiaz (Karachi), Kaynat Hafeez (Lahore), Khadija Chishti (Lahore), Kinza Wahab (Karachi), Laiba Mansoor (Rawalpindi), Laiba Nasir (Lahore), Lubna Behram (Hunza), Maham Anees (Islamabad), Maham Manzoor (Hyderabad), Maham Tariq (Karachi), Mahnoor Aftab (Peshawar), Masooma Zehra (Karachi), Momina Riasat (Abbottabad), Natalia Parvaiz (Bhimber), Neha Sharmeen Sheikh (Karachi), Noor-Ul-Eman (Bahawalpur), Noreen Yaqoob (Lahore), Quratulain Ahsen (Lahore), Rameen Shamim (Karachi), Rida Aslam (Lahore), Saba Nazir (Muridke), Saima Malik (Quetta), Saiqa Riaz (Lahore), Saira Jabeen (Chitral), Sana Talib (Rahim Yar Khan), Sania Rasheed (Rawalpindi), Shabnam Hayat (Karachi), Soha Fatima (Lahore), Subhana Tariq (Karachi), Syeda Taskyn Fatima (Karachi), Tasmia Rubab (Lahore), Tayyaba Imdad (Abbottabad), Tahzeeb Shah (Swabi), Waheeda Akhter (Lahore), Wajeeha Muneer (Multan), Warda Yousaf (Okara), Wasifa Hussain (Karachi), Yusra Amir (Karachi), Zaib-un-Nisa (Charsadda), Zamina Tahir (Lahore), Zunaira Shah (Karachi) and Zunash Abdul Sattar (Lahore)

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the 2023-24 domestic season which will feature eight regional sides and as many department teams competing in separate first-class tournaments.

This step will make sure that the regions and departments compete on a level playing field by utilising the best available talent.

The domestic structure is framed by the PCB Cricket Technical Committee headed by former captains Misbah ul Haq and Mohammad Hafeez. The committee had several meetings with all stakeholders to bring them on board, including regional presidents and representatives of departments.

The upcoming men’s domestic season will commence on 10 September with the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy pitting top regional teams against each other, following which, top eight departments will feature in the President’s Trophy, starting December 15.

The two tournaments will be played on a single-league basis and the table toppers will play the final.

The 18 regional sides have been slotted with eight teams playing the premier first-class tournament Quaid-e-Azam Trophy while 10 regions will be playing Hanif Mohammad Trophy, a non-first-class four-day tournament.

Teams have been listed according to their standings in the 2018-19 PCB domestic season from where the domestic structure resumes following the directives of PCB’s Patron-in-chief – also Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The PCB has revived the PCB 2014 Constitution, a move that brought back the department in the domestic circuit. Both tournaments begin simultaneously.

• Quaid-e-Azam Trophy:  10 September to 26 October
• Hanif Mohammad Trophy: 10 September to 13 October

Abbottabad, Lahore and Rawalpindi will be hosting as many as 29 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches while the Hanif Mohammad Trophy 10-team is divided into two groups with 23 matches will be hosted by Faisalabad, Islamabad and Multan.

Teams playing the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy are Peshawar, Karachi Whites, Lahore Blues, Rawalpindi, FATA, Multan, Lahore Whites and Faisalabad.

Ten teams featuring in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy are Abbottabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Bahawalpur, Dera Murad Jamali, Hyderabad, Karachi Blues, Larkana, Quetta, Sialkot and Islamabad. 

The historic departmental cricket model which was scrapped altogether in the 2019 PCB constitution, has made a remarkable comeback with over 40 teams registered to involve in the circuit. 

In the continuation of the 2018-19 PCB domestic season, eight departments will be playing President’s Trophy, a first-class tournament. SNGPL, SSGC, WAPDA, KRL, PTV, NBP, and State Bank are slotted from their standing in the last time they played in the 2018-19 season. Eighth team, is to be announced in due course.

In January and February of 2024, Patron’s Trophy grade-II with three-day games and grade-III (two-day games) will run concurrently all over the country.

Teams winning the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, Patron’s Trophy grade-II and grade-III will earn promotions. The teams who finish at the bottom of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, President’s Trophy and Patron’s Trophy grade-II will be relegated to the lower rung. 

Every regional team must have one player under the age of 21 in playing XI and at least two in the 30-player squad. These players must have come through PCB’s age-group programme.

Director Domestic Cricket Operations (A) Junaid Zia: “It gives me immense pleasure to announce that we have finalised the domestic structure for the upcoming season. I want to thank the Cricket Technical Committee, comprising Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez, for their outstanding support in finalising the process, and the presidents of the regions for their inputs. 

“This structure provides a level playing field to regions and departments as they will have the best cricket talent available to them. The separation of regions and departments in different tournaments also provides enhance earning opportunities for cricketers with separate contracts and more matches. 

“We have also introduced U13, U16 and U19 tournaments for the regions so we access the young talent right away and provide them the right platforms and facilities to grow. Nurturing their talent at the very young age will help us in turning them into assets and make sure that no potential cricketer goes to waste.”

Eight regional sides will play the Pakistan Cup – which will have List A status – and the bottom 10 teams will play Hanif Mohammad Cup. The National T20 will feature all 18 regional teams.

Departments will also play a white-ball tournament, the details of which will be announced later. 

The PCB will also provide a clear pathway to the age group cricketers where they harness their skills and evolve at each level with regional U13, U16 and U19 tournaments. The U13 and U16 teams will take part in one-day tournaments, and the U19 cricketers will play in one-day and three-day competitions.

All regional and department teams will name a 30-player squad before the season, which will be trimmed to 20 players before the start of every tournament.

Every region and department can have up to 30 per cent of guest players in the 20-player squad.

READ: PCB confirms team management for Afghanistan series, ACC Asia Cup

The regional presidents, representing various cricketing regions across Pakistan, expressed their utmost confidence in the proposed changes to the domestic structure that the PCB is set to implement and will announce later today.

The meeting provided a platform for open dialogue and comprehensive discussions on the workings of the new domestic framework, focusing on its potential to nurture and elevate cricket talent at the grassroots level.

Separately, the recently appointed PCB Cricket Technical Committee (CTC), led by former captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez as a member presented an in-depth briefing to the regional presidents at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

Junaid Zia, Acting Director – Domestic Cricket Operations, and also the ex-officio member of the CTC briefed the members on the key components and features of the new domestic structure, emphasising its intent to streamline and refine the player development pathway.

PCB head Zaka Ashraf: “I firmly believe that the heart and soul of cricket in Pakistan lies within our regions. These regions serve as the nurturing grounds for our domestic cricket, where young talents blossom and refine their skills.

“For a considerable span of time, there existed a void, a pause in the proper functioning of our regional setups. However, I am pleased to share that these regions are back in action, and it’s a significant leap forward for the sport in our nation.

“I express my gratitude for the support and enthusiasm demonstrated by the Domestic Regional Presidents and highlighted their integral role in driving the transformation of Pakistan cricket. Together, we will witness the rise of cricketing stars who will carry the legacy of Pakistan cricket forward with pride and honour.”

Misbah-ul-Haq addressing the regional presidents said: “I am confident that we can craft a cricketing structure that not only benefits our cricketers but also upholds the interests of all stakeholders involved. Your unwavering support is the foundation upon which this structure will succeed. If we work together, we will build a future that honours the game and the aspirations of countless budding cricketers.”

Mohammad Hafeez addressing the participants said: “Merit is the cornerstone of our approach, ensuring that cricketers and the support staff are recognised and rewarded based on their skills and dedication. This structure is a testament to our collective commitment to provide opportunities for people associated with the game. With your support, we look forward to a brighter and more competitive future for the players.”

During the meeting, the domestic regional presidents extended their gratitude to the PCB for its unwavering commitment to advancing the game within the country. They extended their unconditional support to the PCB.

The invitation for the meeting was sent to all regional presidents, while some of the regional presidents couldn’t join the meeting.

READ: Aaqib Javed rates Zaman Khan over Naseem Shah in white-ball cricket

The head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, met former Pakistan fast bowler Mr Sarfraz Nawaz on Monday to resolve the outstanding matters over his unpaid ex gratia payments since January 2017.

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere at National Cricket Academy in the presence of former captains Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez.

Mr Zaka Ashraf handed over a cheque to settle the payments under the Players’ Welfare Policy and assured Mr Sarfraz Nawaz of unconditional support.

The ex gratia payments had been discontinued as a result of disciplinary proceedings initiated against Mr Sarfraz Nawaz by the previous managements over the violation of the Code of Conduct under the Players’ Welfare Policy.

Mr Sarfraz Nawaz has assured the PCB of his compliance with the Code of Conduct and the ex gratia payments to him under the Players’ Welfare Policy will now be resumed.

Zaka Ashraf: “I was upset to see a former Test cricketer in such a condition and it was disturbing to see Mr Sarfraz Nawaz being deprived of his rightful pension. It is disappointing that the previous administrations have used the PCB’s coffers to settle personal scores.

“No cricketer should have to go through what Mr Sarfraz Nawaz had to face, and I want to reassure every former and current cricketer, international or domestic, that the PCB considers them as its asset and will look after them at every stage of their life and in every possible way. They deserve to be loved and respected by their cricket board.”

Sarfraz Nawaz: “I have visited the National Cricket Academy after almost six years and received a warm welcome from the PCB officials. I am pleased that Mr Zaka Ashraf has reinstated my pension. Given my health, I am particularly grateful for this step.

“In a voluntary capacity, I offer honourary services to the board to enhance fast bowlers’ skills for cricket’s advancement.”

Mr Sarfraz Nawaz played 55 Tests and 45 One-Day International for Pakistan from 1969 till 1984. He famously delivered a 33-ball spell in Melbourne on 15 March 1979, in which he took seven wickets for just one run. He went on to bowl his best bowling figures of nine for 86 in that innings which helped Pakistan to their second Test win in Australia.

The right-arm fast bowler took 177 Test wickets at 32.75 and dismissed 63 batters in ODIs at 23.22 runs apiece. He took 1,005 wickets at an average of 24.62 in first-class cricket.

READ: Pakistan thrash China to claim first win in Asian Champions Trophy