PCB unveils major overhaul of 2026–27 domestic cricket season

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a major revamp of the 2026–27 domestic cricket season, introducing significant changes to its schedule and tournament structure as part of its preparations for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

According to the PCB, the revamped domestic calendar is designed to strengthen the country’s cricket structure, enhance the quality of competition, and identify the best talent ahead of the global event.

The season will begin on August 11 with the four-team National Champions Cup, a one-day tournament to be held in Multan. The participating teams will be selected by the National Selection Committee to assess emerging talent in the ODI format.

The domestic calendar will feature two List A tournaments this season. Following the National Champions Cup, the President’s Cup will also be played.

Meanwhile, the number of regional teams has been increased from 18 to 20, with Sialkot and Peshawar each being allowed to field a second team.

For the first time, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy has been divided into Gold and Silver Divisions. The eight strongest teams will compete in the Gold Division, while 12 teams will participate in the Silver Division. Both divisions will begin on November 1.

The domestic season will conclude with the National T20 Cup, scheduled to be played in February and March. According to the PCB, the revised schedule is designed to provide national players with more high-quality competition and help identify and develop the country’s best talent ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

The domestic season is underway from August 11, 2026, to June 15, 2027, with a schedule of high-quality tournaments of all formats, including age-group, district, school, first-class, List-A & T20.

Pakistan’s preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 in South Africa are a key aspect of the upcoming season. In support of this objective, the PCB has organised two List-A tournaments, early in the domestic season, where national and emerging players will ensure they get exposure to 50-over match experience before the international fixtures.