The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced changes to the schedule of its premier first-class tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (QEAT), to accommodate the newly introduced Champions T20 Cup.
The Champions T20 Cup, part of a series of tournaments launched earlier this year, will take place in Rawalpindi from December 7 to 25. To ensure domestic players can participate, the triangular stage of the QEAT, originally set to begin on November 26, will now occur in two phases.
The first two matches of the QEAT’s triangular stage will be held in Abbottabad, while the final match and the five-day final will follow the conclusion of the T20 Cup.
PCB adjusts schedule
“To give all domestic players a chance to compete in the much-anticipated Champions T20 Cup, the PCB has rescheduled the final round matches of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy,” the cricket board said in a statement.
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The last triangular match between Lahore Whites and Sialkot is now scheduled for December 27-31, with the final set for January 2-6. The venues for these games will be announced later.
New tournament format targets emerging talent
The Champions T20 Cup will feature five teams playing 22 matches, including six double-headers. In a “cut-throat format” designed to increase competitiveness, the table-topper after the double-league stage will qualify directly for the final. The second and third-placed teams will compete in a Qualifier for the remaining spot.
The PCB hopes the tournament will serve as a platform for emerging players, offering selectors insights into potential national team prospects. Performers may also attract attention from Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises ahead of the 2025 season.
Champions T20 Cup Schedule
The tournament kicks off on December 7 with Stallions facing Panthers and Nurpur Lions taking on UMT Markhors. The final match is slated for December 25 at 3:30 pm.
Check out the full schedule below:
| Date | Time | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Dec 7 | 11:00 am | Stallions vs. Panthers |
| 3:30 pm | Nurpur Lions vs. UMT Markhors | |
| Sun, Dec 8 | 12:00 pm | Panthers vs. Dolphins |
| Mon, Dec 9 | 12:00 pm | Stallions vs. Lions |
| Tue, Dec 10 | 12:00 pm | Dolphins vs. Markhors |
| Wed, Dec 11 | 12:00 pm | Lions vs. Panthers |
| Thu, Dec 12 | 11:00 am | Stallions vs. Markhors |
| 3:30 pm | Dolphins vs. Lions | |
| Fri, Dec 13 | 11:00 am | Panthers vs. Markhors |
| 3:30 pm | Stallions vs. Dolphins | |
| Sun, Dec 15 | 11:00 am | Stallions vs. Panthers |
| 3:30 pm | Lions vs. Markhors | |
| Mon, Dec 16 | 12:00 pm | Panthers vs. Dolphins |
| Tue, Dec 17 | 12:00 pm | Stallions vs. Lions |
| Wed, Dec 18 | 12:00 pm | Dolphins vs. Markhors |
| Thu, Dec 19 | 12:00 pm | Lions vs. Panthers |
| Fri, Dec 20 | 11:00 am | Stallions vs. Markhors |
| 3:30 pm | Dolphins vs. Lions | |
| Sat, Dec 21 | 11:00 am | Panthers vs. Markhors |
| 3:30 pm | Stallions vs. Dolphins | |
| Mon, Dec 23 | 3:30 pm | Qualifier (2nd vs. 3rd place) |
| Wed, Dec 25 | 3:30 pm | FINAL |
