PCB Overhauls Domestic Cricket Structure, Karachi Teams Relegated
The new structure will see the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy feature 8 teams, while the Hanif Mohammad Trophy will feature 11 teams, including Karachi Whites and Karachi Blues, who will be looking to qualify for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy through the tournament.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reduced the number of participating teams in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy from 18 to 8, resulting in Karachi's two teams being relegated to the Hanif Mohammad Trophy. The decision has sparked a mixed reaction from former Pakistani cricketers, with some criticizing the move and others supporting it.
Former Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal has expressed his disappointment with the decision, stating that Karachi's exclusion is a "surprise" and "not a good decision". Akmal believes that the PCB should have informed all teams in advance and that the decision reflects a lack of merit and quality in Pakistani cricket. He feels that the teams should have been given more notice and an opportunity to prepare for the changes.
On the other hand, former Pakistani cricketer Rashid Latif has come out in support of the PCB's decision. Latif believes that the Karachi teams have a chance to qualify for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy through the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, which will feature 11 teams. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, meanwhile, will feature 8 teams, including Lahore Region Whites, Sialkot, and Peshawar.
The overhaul of the domestic cricket structure is a significant development in Pakistani cricket, and it will be interesting to see how the teams adapt to the changes. The PCB's decision is likely to have a significant impact on the sport in the country, and it remains to be seen whether it will have a positive or negative effect on the overall quality of cricket in Pakistan.