Eighteen-Team Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Set to Commence on October 26

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalized the schedule for the 2024-25 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan's premier domestic first-class cricket tournament, which is set to kick off on October 26 and conclude with the final on December 19. This year's tournament will feature a significant expansion, with 18 teams competing across 16 regions, including two teams each from Lahore and Karachi. This marks a dramatic shift from previous years, where only eight teams participated last season and just six teams were involved for the preceding four years. Karachi Whites will enter the tournament as the defending champions.

The PCB's commitment to enhancing the domestic structure was previously demonstrated through the successful Champions One-Day Cup, and they are dedicated to ensuring the effective execution of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy as part of this ongoing effort.

The timing of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is particularly noteworthy, as it coincides with Pakistan's busy Test season, which features seven home games. The final of the QeA will take place just one week before the first Test in South Africa, scheduled for December 26. Pakistan's vice-captain, Saud Shakeel, mentioned that the first-class competition could serve as valuable preparation for the upcoming tour of South Africa by replicating those conditions.

"If you want to prepare for SENA [South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia] series, you can do it during practice and first-class cricket," Shakeel said. "If there's first-class cricket before South Africa, we could prepare those kinds of pitches. It's essential to develop pitches and conditions that align with the specific series and opponents."

With the expanded format and heightened expectations, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy promises to be a crucial event for players vying for a chance to represent Pakistan on the international stage.