The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to revolutionize its domestic cricket structure with the introduction of three new Champions tournaments in the 2024-25 season. This strategic move aims to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket, providing a more competitive environment for players and enhancing their earning opportunities.
The new tournaments include the Champions One-Day Cup, Champions T20 Cup, and Champions First-Class Cup. These will join the existing National T20 Cup, Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, President’s Trophy, President’s Cup, and the HBL Pakistan Super League in the upcoming season. With these additions, the PCB will now oversee a total of 261 matches across eight men’s senior tournaments, a significant increase from the previous season’s 203 matches.
Key Features of the Champions Tournaments
- Teams and Format: Five teams—Dolphins, Lions, Panthers, Stallions, and Wolves—will compete in each Champions Cup event. The tournaments will follow a double-league format.
- Player Selection: Approximately 150 of the top-performing domestic players from the past three years and centrally contracted players will be available for selection.
- Mentors and Coaches: Each team will have a former Pakistan superstar as a mentor, with elite coaching staff including head coaches, batting/bowling/fielding coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists, analysts, operations managers, and media managers.
- Training Facilities: Teams will have access to dedicated Regional High Performance Centres in Faisalabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Sialkot.
- Contracts and Fees: Enhanced domestic contracts will be offered, with top-tier players earning PKR550,000 per month. Match fees have also been significantly increased to PKR200,000 for red-ball cricket, PKR125,000 for 50-over matches, and PKR100,000 for T20 matches.
The Champions One-Day Cup will kick off the season from September 1-29, 2024. The season will conclude with the Champions First-Class Cup from May 28 to August 5, 2025. The comprehensive schedule also includes the President’s Cup, Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Champions T20 Cup, President’s Trophy, National T20 Cup, and the Pakistan Super League.
In addition to the senior tournaments, the PCB will organize around 13,000 development and pathway matches across all formats at schools, colleges, universities, clubs, and various age levels. This initiative aims to nurture young talent and provide ample opportunities for them to showcase their skills.
Strategic Objectives
PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the Champions tournaments are not merely about bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket but about transforming and rejuvenating Pakistan’s entire cricket ecosystem. The ultimate goal is to restore Pakistan’s standing in international cricket by creating a robust and highly competitive domestic structure.
Enhancing Competitiveness
The Champions tournaments are designed to replicate the intensity and pressures of international cricket. With broadcast matches, legendary mentors, elite coaching staff, and extensive media coverage, these tournaments will provide players with the necessary exposure and experience.
Financial and Professional Growth
The PCB’s new structure also focuses on improving the financial well-being of players. Enhanced contracts and match fees, coupled with sponsorship and media partnerships, are expected to provide better earning opportunities and financial security for domestic cricketers.
Long-term Vision
The PCB is committed to identifying, nurturing, and preparing the best talent to represent Pakistan on the global stage. By establishing a clear and progressive pathway from grassroots to professional cricket, the board aims to consistently produce world-class talent.
The introduction of the Champions events marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Pakistan’s domestic cricket. By fostering a highly competitive environment, enhancing financial incentives, and providing comprehensive development opportunities, the PCB is poised to elevate the standard of cricket in Pakistan and ensure sustained success on the international stage.
