Karachi: The defending champions of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Karachi Region Whites, will begin their title defense against Peshawar Region on October 26 at the Ashfaq Ground in Charsadda. The 2024-25 edition of Pakistan’s premier first-class cricket tournament will feature 18 teams from 16 regions, divided into three groups.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the top teams from each group will advance to the triangular stage, with the final scheduled from December 14 to 18. The tournament will also see three new venues—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. A total prize pool of PKR 12.6 million is on offer, with the winning team earning PKR 7.5 million.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the importance of the tournament in developing talent for the national team, stating, “This tournament is crucial for Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure and provides a platform for emerging players to showcase their skills.” The tournament will be held across six cities, including Abbottabad, Islamabad, and Lahore, with 45 group stage matches before the triangular stage.