Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2026-27: Squads Announced, Gold & Silver Format, and Test Auditions

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially unveiled the comprehensive team rosters and tournament regulations for the 69th edition of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (2026-27). Pakistan's crown jewel first-class competition will feature an expanded two-tier structure designed to test the mental fortitude, technical mastery, and physical stamina of the country's elite cricketers.

The Two-Tier Architecture: Gold vs Silver Divisions

To eliminate mismatched encounters and ensure rigorous first-class competition, the tournament format divides regional outfits into two distinct divisions with promotion and relegation stakes:

• Gold Tier (8 Elite Teams): Featuring Karachi Whites, Lahore Blues, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Abbottabad. Teams compete in a single round-robin format, with the top two teams contesting the five-day grand final.
• Silver Tier (8 Challenger Teams): Featuring Karachi Blues, Lahore Whites, Quetta, Hyderabad, Bahawalpur, Dera Murad Jamali, Larkana, and Islamabad. The champion earns automatic promotion to the Gold Tier for the following season.

High-Profile Test Stars Returning to First-Class Roots

In accordance with newly implemented directives from red-ball head coach Mike Hesson and the national selection committee, centrally contracted players not actively involved in bilateral international series are mandated to represent their home regions in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. This initiative significantly elevates the competitive standard of domestic cricket.

Prominent international stars including Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Huraira Mohammad, Mir Hamza, and Aamer Jamal will headline their regional rosters, providing invaluable mentorship for emerging fast bowlers and spinners.

"First-class cricket is the crucible where Test careers are forged. You cannot manufacture Test match temperament in T20 leagues; bowlers must bowl 20 overs a day and batsmen must occupy the crease for five sessions." — PTVSports Domestic Cricket Desk

Pitch Preparation & Kookaburra Ball Specifications

Following sharp criticism of benign batting paradises in previous domestic campaigns, the PCB curator department has mandated standardized sporting wickets across all first-class venues, including Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, and the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

Venues have been prepared with an even 8mm grass covering to ensure fair bounce, authentic seam movement with the red Kookaburra ball, and progressive reverse swing and spin as matches enter Days 3 and 4.

Pathway to the World Test Championship Squad

With Pakistan engaged in pivotal World Test Championship (WTC) series, standout domestic performers in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will receive direct call-ups to national training camps. National selectors will closely monitor strike bowlers who maintain speeds above 140 km/h and top-order batters capable of surviving challenging morning conditions.

Keep track of regional results, match scorecards, and live first-class stats on our Fixtures Hub, view domestic tournament standings on the Points Table, and watch live streams on PTV Sports Live.