Shahid Afridi criticised the poor condition of Diamond Ground in Islamabad on X, citing broken chairs and filthy washrooms while the venue hosts the Quaid e Azam Trophy.
Afridi calls out neglect at a key venue
Former Pakistan captain said he was shocked by what he saw at Diamond Ground.
He listed damaged seating, unhygienic washrooms, and general disrepair, and he asked how such conditions respect first class cricketers who build Pakistan’s future teams.
He also tagged PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and called the situation embarrassing for domestic cricket.
His post drew attention because Diamond Ground is a central site on the domestic calendar, and because players rely on safe facilities to prepare and perform.
Consequently, his remarks have revived the debate over funding, upkeep, and accountability for public sports venues.
Rain washes out the first day across venues
Meanwhile, the opening day of the first round was completely washed out on Monday after persistent rain across Abbottabad, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar.
The first round of the four day tournament is scheduled from October 6 to October 9, yet no play was possible at any of the five grounds.
Which include Marghzar in Islamabad, Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, and Imran Khan Stadium in Peshawar.
In a rematch of last season’s final, defending champions Sialkot led by Amad Butt were set to face Peshawar.
Other fixtures are FATA against Multan, Faisalabad against Karachi Blues, Lahore Whites against Islamabad, and Abbottabad against Bahawalpur.
Prize money and team lineup set the stakes
Finally, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced a winners purse of 7.5 million rupees for this season, with 4 million for the runners up.
The Player of the Match in each league game will receive 25,000 rupees, the Player of the Final will receive 100,000 rupees.
In addition, the Best Batter, Bowler, Wicketkeeper, and Player of the Tournament will each receive 250,000 rupees.
A total of ten teams are competing.
FATA, Faisalabad, Karachi Blues, and Multan qualified from the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, while Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, Sialkot, Lahore Whites, and Islamabad return from last season’s top performers.
