As excitement builds for Pakistan’s premier first-class cricket competition, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25 is set to begin tomorrow, offering an impressive prize pool of PKR 12.6 million. Defending champions Karachi Region Whites are all set to defend their title, kicking off their campaign against Peshawar Region at the Ashfaq Ground in Charsadda, one of three new venues this season. The tournament will see 18 regional teams, representing 16 regions, compete across three groups in seven cities, making this year’s trophy a true nationwide cricketing event.
The tournament promises high stakes for all participating teams, with the winners set to take home PKR 7.5 million, while the runners-up will receive PKR 4 million. Divided into three groups, the 18 sides will each play a minimum of five matches in the group stage, leading to intense competition as each team vies for the top position in their group to qualify for the triangular stage. In this stage, the first-placed team from each group will play two matches to determine the finalists, who will face off in the championship clash scheduled from December 14 to 18.
The groups are set as follows:
- Group A: Abbottabad Region, Faisalabad Region, Hyderabad Region, Islamabad Region, Lahore Region Whites, Larkana Region
- Group B: AJK Region, Bahawalpur Region, Karachi Region Whites, Multan Region, Peshawar Region, Rawalpindi Region
- Group C: Dera Murad Jamali, FATA Region, Karachi Region Blues, Lahore Region Blues, Quetta Region, Sialkot Region
This season, the tournament will see new host venues, with the Ashfaq Cricket Ground in Charsadda, Rana Naveed Cricket Academy in Sheikhupura, and Saeed Sports City in Lahore hosting first-class matches for the first time, each venue hosting five group stage games. These grounds were selected to expand the cricketing landscape in Pakistan and provide competitive exposure across regions.
In a strategic move to elevate the playing experience, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will feature Duke balls for the 2024-25 season. Following a comprehensive analysis of local ground and pitch conditions, the Duke balls have been custom-made to suit Pakistan’s unique pitch characteristics, aiming to add a fresh dynamic to this year’s matches. Known for their durability and high seam quality, Duke balls are expected to provide more movement, creating added challenges for batters and opportunities for bowlers.
This year’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy promises a mix of familiar rivalries and exciting new matchups. With competitive stakes and the increased difficulty posed by Duke balls, each game is anticipated to bring unique moments of skill, endurance, and strategy. With defending champions Karachi Region Whites aiming to retain their title and newcomers seeking to make a mark, fans are set for a showcase of talent that underscores Pakistan’s commitment to developing domestic cricket.
- Group Stage: Begins tomorrow with Karachi Region Whites vs. Peshawar Region at Ashfaq Ground, Charsadda
- Triangular Stage: Top team from each group will compete for final placement (venues to be announced)
- Final: December 14-18, venue to be confirmed
Stay tuned as Pakistan’s finest domestic cricketers battle it out in this prestigious tournament, marking a significant chapter in Pakistan’s cricket calendar. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy continues to set the stage for identifying and nurturing top cricketing talent in the country, with high stakes and national pride driving each team forward.