Lahore: Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and Kingsmen Academy are set to replace Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and Sahir Associates in the President's Trophy and Cup Grade-I for the upcoming 2026-27 domestic cricket season, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Tuesday. This change aims to enhance the quality of cricket and uphold high standards in domestic cricket competitions.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, a set of regulations has been introduced for first-class departmental teams to ensure the President's Trophy and Cup Grade-I events are conducted professionally. WAPDA and Sahir Associates were unable to comply with these new standards, leading to their replacement. The PCB has also mandated departments to conduct fitness tests for players in line with the new domestic cricket fitness policy for the 2026-27 season. The policy requires the inclusion of at least one U21 player in the playing XI for all departments in both white and red-ball tournaments.
Departments must adhere to regulations, which include auditing participating teams to ensure players receive their annual contractual fees, match fees, and daily allowances transparently. Additionally, departments are required to provide quality accommodation and food while maintaining the high standards needed for participation in first-class and List-A cricket.
Departmental cricket is a cornerstone of Pakistan's domestic cricket, and the PCB emphasizes that all departments must meet the high standards for player contracts, salaries, accommodation, and welfare. The complete pool of eight Grade-I teams for the 2026-27 season includes Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), Kingsmen Academy, OGDCL, Pakistan Television (PTV), Ghani Glass, MIT Solutions, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL).
Osama Sharoon, Senior General Manager Domestic Cricket Operations at PCB, stated that maintaining high standards of professional cricket is a priority, emphasizing merit and accountability as non-negotiable virtues for player welfare and top-quality cricket opportunities. He highlighted the importance of player development through competitive domestic tournaments and reinforced the commitment to implementing high standards continuously.