Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a significant overhaul of its domestic cricket framework for the upcoming 2025-26 season, introducing a three-tiered departmental cricket structure. This marks the first time such a format will be implemented, with the season scheduled to commence in August 2025 and conclude in May 2026.
More than 40 departments from across the country have been organized into three distinct tiers: Grade-I, Grade-II, and the newly introduced Grade-III. This initiative aims to foster a more competitive environment with a focus on promotion and relegation across the tiers. The Grade-III competition, featuring two-day matches, is set for March and April 2026.
Team placements within the Grade-III tournament are based on standings from the previous season’s President’s Trophy Grade-II. The top two teams from Grade-III will advance to Grade-II for the next season, while the lowest-ranked teams from Grade-II will face relegation.
The President’s Trophy Grade-II will feature a total of 14 teams, including twelve qualifiers from last season and two relegated teams from Grade-I. The tournament, comprising three-day matches, is scheduled from March to May 2026. The winner will earn a spot in the first-class and List-A departmental tournaments for the following season, with plans to introduce a 50-over competition for Grade-II teams.
The domestic season will kick off with the 50-over President’s Cup, following the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in November and December 2025. Eight teams will participate in the 31-match List-A tournament, with the same teams competing in the 29-match first-class President’s Trophy concluding in January 2026. The bottom two teams will be relegated, allowing winners from Grade-II to advance.
In addition to men’s cricket, some departments are expected to form women’s teams, further bolstering the domestic cricket structure. Detailed plans for the women’s teams will be disclosed later.
Director of Domestic Cricket Operations, Abdullah Khurram Niazi, emphasized the importance of departmental cricket as the foundation of Pakistan’s domestic season. He highlighted the PCB’s commitment to creating a competitive environment that enhances the quality of domestic cricket and supports the growth of over 400 participating players.
The PCB’s introduction of the three-tiered structure represents a strategic move to strengthen the domestic cricket scene, with a focus on talent development and competitive play.