News
PCB introduces three new "Champions" tournaments
Follow UsThe additions have been made to the Men’s Domestic Cricket season 2024-25 to “bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket"
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Monday (August 5), announced three new tournaments — the Champions One-Day Cup, Champions T20 Cup and Champions First-Class Cup — as part of the Men’s Domestic Cricket season 2024-25.
The additions have been made to “bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket, provide a tougher, more competitive and high-pressure cricket playing environment, and create better and enhanced earning opportunities for its future stars.”
These three new Champions tournaments will join the National T20 Cup, Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (regional first-class tournament), President’s Trophy (departmental first-class tournament), President’s Cup (departmental 50-over event), and Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 in the 2024-25 domestic cricket season, expected to run from September 2024 to August 2025.
“Our current standings — sixth in Tests, fourth in ODIs and seventh in T20Is — do not reflect the true potential and legacy of Pakistan cricket. To restore our rightful place at the top of world cricket, we must innovate and strategically enhance, expand and strengthen our domestic structure. The introduction of the three Champions tournaments is a bold step in this direction,” said PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
“The Champions tournaments will bring together our most talented and consistent performers from domestic cricket with our centrally contracted players, creating an environment that mirrors the intensity of international cricket. With broadcast matches, legendary mentors, elite coaching staff and extensive media coverage, these tournaments will provide our players with the exposure and experience they need.
“These tournaments are not just about bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket, they are about revolutionising and rejuvenating our entire cricketing ecosystem. By establishing a clear and progressive pathway from clubs, schools and universities to intra-district, to inter-district, to regional/department competitions, we are nurturing the next generation of cricketing stars.
“The Champions tournaments will offer our players a platform to experience the rigours and pressures of international cricket right here at home. This is crucial for building a robust and highly competitive domestic structure that consistently produces world-class talent.”
The PCB will now organise 261 matches across eight men’s senior tournaments. This includes 131 first-class matches in three events, 40 50-over matches in two events, and 97 T20 matches in three events. In the 2023-24 season, the PCB organised 203 matches in the six men’s senior tournaments, including 51 first-class matches in two tournaments, 55 50-over matches in two events, and 97 T20 matches.
The Champions One-Day Cup will serve as the season opener, with the 21-match tournament being played from September 1 to 29. Curtains will fall on the Men’s Domestic Cricket season 2024-25 with the Champions First-Class Cup, held from May 28 to August 5.
The Men in Green failed to qualify for the Super 8s of the 2024 T20 World Cup, losing to India and the USA in the group stage. Pakistan haven't won a single ICC trophy since winning the 2017 Champions Trophy in England.
(With inputs from PCB media release)
If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.