KEY POINTS
- Over 40 departments will compete across Grade-I, II, and Grade-III tiers
- PCB aims to nurture over 400 players through diverse formats
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced a new three-tier departmental cricket structure for the 2025-26 domestic season, which will run from August 2025 to May 2026.
Replacing the previous two-tier system, the revamped format includes Grade-I, Grade-II, and the newly introduced Grade-III, aimed at strengthening competition, improving player development, and expanding the talent pipeline.
System Built to Test and Elevate
More than 40 departments from across the country will field teams across a variety of formats — first-class, List A, three-day, and two-day competitions — ensuring that players not only perform but also adapt, evolve, and thrive under pressure.
“Departmental cricket has become the bedrock of our domestic structure,” said Abdullah Khurram Niazi, Director of Domestic Cricket Operations.
“This is the third year of departmental strength, but with three tiers, we’re raising the stakes, offering hundreds of players meaningful exposure, and investing directly into the future of Pakistan cricket.”
Gateway for Emerging Sides
Grade-III, debuting with two-day matches in March and April 2026, is a direct extension of the 2024-25 President’s Trophy Grade-II standings. It’s here that ambitious teams will fight for promotion, with the top two graduating to Grade-II, while the bottom two in Grade-II descend into this newly formed crucible of development.
Proving Ground
A total of 14 teams will contest the President’s Trophy Grade-II from March to May 2026 — 12 holdovers from last season, plus HEC and Eshaal Associates, the two sides demoted from Grade-I.
A separate 50-over competition for Grade-II teams is also on the horizon, reflecting the PCB’s commitment to format diversity.
Grade-II Contenders Include: Ahmed Glass, Ghani Institute, JDW Sugar Mills, Kingsmen, MIT Solutions, PAF, PHA Rawalpindi, Port Qasim, Railways, Sardar Group, Vital Tea, Wing 999 Sports, HEC, and Eshaal Associates.
Pinnacle of Departmental Cricket
Kicking off the season will be the 50-over President’s Cup in November and December, followed by the marquee President’s Trophy (First-Class) tournament through January 2026.
Both Grade-I competitions promise elite-level cricket, with promotion and relegation ensuring that no position is safe, and every match matters.
Grade-I Heavyweights Include: Ghani Glass, Khan Research Laboratories, OGDCL, Pakistan Television, Sahir Associates, State Bank of Pakistan, SNGPL, and WAPDA.
Future Inclusive of Women’s Cricket
The PCB also issued a forward-looking invitation to departments: form women’s teams and become stakeholders in the growth of women’s domestic cricket. Details on this parallel structure are expected soon.
What’s at Stake?
Beyond trophies and bragging rights, the new structure offers something far more valuable: a path to the top.
A bottom-up meritocracy now governs the future of Pakistan’s departmental cricket — a system where players rise not on reputation, but on results.
As the cricketing nation prepares for another packed season, over 400 players will don departmental colours, hoping to catch the eye of selectors.
