The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the launch of three new competitions in their domestic cricket calendar.
Starting in September 2024 and ending in August 2025, these tournaments looks to enhance the domestic structure and bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket. The PCB's new initiative includes three first-class tournaments, two List A tournaments, and three T20 tournaments.
Champions tournaments: All you need to know
The PCB has introduced a five-team Champions tournament. The teams - Dolphins, Lions, Panthers, Stallions, and Wolves - will compete in three different formats:
Champions One-Day Cup: September 1 to 29.
Champions T20 Cup: December 21 to January 2.
Champions Pentagular: May 28 to August 5.
To bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket, provide a tougher, more competitive & high-pressure cricket playing environment & create better & enhanced earning opportunities for its future stars, PCB has announced the addition of 3 Champions tournaments as part…
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) August 5, 2024
The Champions tournaments will feature around 150 top players from Pakistan. The selection process details are yet to be announced. Waqar Younis, the new advisor to the PCB chair on cricket affairs, has approved the plans and will oversee cricketing matters within the board.
What are the other domestic tournaments?
Along with the Champions tournaments, the PCB will continue with other domestic tournaments, including:
Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (First Class)
President's Trophy (First Class)
President's Cup (List-A)
National T20 Cup (T20 Competition)
Pakistan Super League (T20 Competition)
What will be the team structure?
Each team will potentially have an owner and a mentor, alongside regular coaching staff, including a head coach, an analyst, and a media manager. Teams will have dedicated high-performance centers in Faisalabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Sialkot.
What did Mohsin Naqvi say on the purpose and vision of this move?
PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi highlighted the need to innovate and strengthen the domestic structure.
"Our current standings in international cricket do not reflect our true potential. The introduction of the Champions tournaments is a bold step towards restoring our rightful place at the top," he said.
Has there been financial improvements for domestic players?
The PCB has increased contracts for domestic players. The new categories and their respective payments are:
Category 1: PKR 550,000
Category 2: PKR 400,000
Category 3: PKR 250,000
Match fees have also been increased:
50-over cricket: PKR 125,000
T20 cricket: PKR 100,000
Red-ball cricket: PKR 200,000
By enhancing the competition and providing better financial incentives, the PCB looks to prepare players for international challenges and elevate Pakistan's standing in world cricket.
