Quaid Trophy: Karachi Region Whites begin title defence against Peshawar

LAHORE: Defending champions Karachi Region Whites are set to launch their title defence in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25, facing Peshawar Region on 26 October at the Ashfaq Ground in Charsadda.

This year’s tournament will feature 18 teams from 16 regions, divided into three groups, with six cities hosting 45 group stage matches. The top team from each group will advance to the triangular stage, with the best two sides from the triangular matches competing in the five-day final from 14 to 18 December.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasised the importance of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, calling it a cornerstone of Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure and a vital platform for nurturing talent for the national team. “The expansion of the tournament to 18 teams increases the talent pool and gives more regions the opportunity to compete at the highest level,” he stated.

A prize fund of PKR 12.6 million is at stake, with the winners set to receive PKR 7.5 million and the runners-up PKR 4 million. Matches will be hosted in Abbottabad, Charsadda, Gujranwala, Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.

Group A: Abbottabad Region, Faisalabad Region, Hyderabad Region, Islamabad Region, Lahore Region Whites, Larkana Region Group B: AJK Region, Bahawalpur Region, Karachi Region Whites, Multan Region, Peshawar Region, Rawalpindi Region Group C: Dera Murad Jamali, FATA Region, Karachi Region Blues, Lahore Region Blues, Quetta Region, Sialkot Region