In a groundbreaking move aimed at revitalizing Pakistan’s domestic cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a three-tier departmental cricket structure for the 2025–26 season, marking a first in the country’s cricketing history. The revamped format will run from August 2025 to May 2026, covering an extensive range of competitive fixtures.
Previously structured in two tiers, the new Grade-I, Grade-II, and Grade-III system is designed to foster competitiveness through promotion and relegation, similar to global cricketing systems.
🏏 Three-Tier System Explained:
Grade-I:
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Competitions: First-Class & List-A
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Format: 4-Day and 50-over matches
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Teams: 8 departments including
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Ghani Glass
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KRL
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OGDCL
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PTV
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Sahir Associates
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SBP
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SNGPL
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WAPDA
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Grade-II:
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Competition: 3-Day matches – President’s Trophy (March–May 2026)
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Teams: 14 (12 qualifiers + 2 relegated from Grade-I)
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Key Teams: Ahmed Glass, JDW Sugar Mills, PAF, Railways, Vital Tea, Port Qasim, and more
Grade-III:
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Competition: 2-Day matches (March–April 2026)
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Purpose: Entry platform for emerging departments
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Promotion: Top 2 move up to Grade-II; bottom 2 from Grade-II relegated
🗓️ Domestic Calendar Highlights:
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Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (Oct–Nov 2025)
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President’s Cup (50-over) – November to December 2025
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President’s Trophy (First-Class) – December 2025 to January 2026
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President’s Trophy Grade-II – March to May 2026
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Grade-III Tournament – March to April 2026
👩🦰 Women’s Domestic Cricket Gets a Boost
The PCB also hinted at departments forming women’s teams in the coming months to promote and professionalize women’s domestic cricket, with further details to be announced.
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🎙️ Official Statement
Abdullah Khurram Niazi, Director Domestic Cricket Operations, shared:
“The departmental cricket has become the bedrock of our domestic season for the third year running. By adding a third tier, we’re creating a system where performance and merit decide promotion and survival. Over 400 players will take part across the tiers, offering ample opportunity for growth and national selection.”