PCB announces 'champions events' to promote domestic cricket

Following the continued lackluster performance of the national cricket team at the international level, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to strengthen domestic cricket in the country by introducing championship tournaments.

The decision aims to shrink the gap between national and international cricket and provide high-standard training to local players before playing on international grounds.

“The Champions tournaments are not just about bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket but they are about revolutionising and rejuvenating our entire cricketing ecosystem,” said Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi while addressing the media.

The tournament was announced on Monday to lead the winning teams to the ODI, T20, and First-Class Cup of the National T20 Cup, Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, president trophy of first-class cricket and Pakistan Super League (PSL).

A total of 261 matches will be played, including 131 first-class matches, at least forty 50-over matches, and 97 T20 matches.

In the silent features of the tournament, the PCB has enhanced the contract money of the players category-wise to strengthen domestic cricket.

At least 40 players in Category 1 will be offered 550,000 per month, 50 players in Category 2 will be Rs400,000 per month, and 60 players in Category 3 will be given Rs250,000 per month.

“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 Naqvi.

“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.

“I am incredibly optimistic about the future of Pakistan cricket. The investments we are making through the Champions tournaments will pay immense dividends. We are dedicated to identifying, nurturing and preparing our best talent to represent Pakistan on the global stage.”