Karachi Lose Top-Tier Status in Domestic Structure Revamp

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has undergone a major overhaul of the domestic cricket structure, resulting in Karachi losing their place in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the country's premier first-class competition. The PCB has reduced the number of participating teams from 18 to eight, leading to the exclusion of both Karachi teams.

The Karachi sides, 21-time winners of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, hold a significant stature in Pakistan's domestic cricket, comparable to Mumbai in India, who have claimed the Ranji Trophy a record 42 times. Last year, two teams from Karachi – Karachi Whites and Karachi Blues – participated in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. This year, they have been relegated to the non-first class Hanif Mohammad Trophy, where they will play with 10 other regional sides in a pool format.

The Hanif Mohammad Trophy will be held from August 15, with the top two teams qualifying for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The six teams that have earned a direct berth for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy are Lahore Region Whites, Sialkot, Peshawar, Islamabad, Abbottabad, and Bahawalpur.