pcb unveils major
|

PCB unveils major domestic cricket overhaul ahead of ODI World Cup

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a significant revamp of its 2026–27 domestic cricket season, introducing structural changes aimed at strengthening competition and preparing players for the upcoming ICC Men’s ODI World Cup.

The new domestic calendar places greater emphasis on high-quality white-ball cricket while also reshaping Pakistan’s premier first-class competition to improve competitiveness across all formats.

According to the PCB, the season will begin on August 11 in Multan with the National Champions Cup, a four-team one-day tournament. Squads for the competition will be selected by the national selection committee, providing emerging players with an opportunity to impress in the 50-over format ahead of the global tournament.

The board has also confirmed that the domestic season will feature two List A competitions. Following the National Champions Cup, teams will compete in the President’s Cup, giving players additional match practice and selectors a broader pool of performances to evaluate before international assignments.

One of the biggest changes announced is the expansion of regional participation. The number of regional teams has increased from 18 to 20, with Sialkot and Peshawar each receiving permission to field a second team. PCB officials believe the move will create more opportunities for talented cricketers across the country and deepen the domestic talent pipeline.

In another landmark decision, the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Trophy has been divided into Gold and Silver Divisions for the first time in the tournament’s history.

The Gold Division will feature the country’s eight strongest teams, while the Silver Division will include 12 teams competing for promotion and a chance to challenge the top sides. Both divisions are scheduled to begin on November 1, with the new format designed to increase the quality and intensity of first-class cricket.

The domestic campaign will conclude with the National T20 Cup, scheduled for February and March, ensuring players receive competitive exposure in all three major formats before the international season intensifies.

PCB officials said the revised structure reflects the board’s long-term strategy of producing better-prepared cricketers capable of succeeding at the highest level. By increasing meaningful competition, expanding opportunities for regional teams, and aligning domestic cricket with international priorities, the board hopes to strengthen Pakistan’s player development pathway.

Cricket analysts have welcomed the changes, saying the new format could raise the standard of domestic cricket while helping selectors identify consistent performers ahead of major international tournaments, including the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Six militants killed in Mastung security operation

    Six suspected militants were killed and several others, including male and female suicide bombers, were arrested during an intelligence-based operation carried out by security forces in the Khad Kocha area of Mastung district, Balochistan, on Thursday. The operation was conducted as part of the ongoing Operation Shaban, a joint counterterrorism campaign involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) and Balochistan Police. The campaign was launched after the terrorist attack on the Mangi Dam Police Station and continues in different parts of the province to eliminate militant networks. According to official sources, security forces launched the raid after receiving credible intelligence about the presence of militants in the area. During the operation, troops surrounded the suspected hideouts and engaged the militants in an exchange of fire. Officials said six militants were killed during the operation, while several others were taken into custody. Those arrested included alleged facilitators as well as male and female suicide bombers who were reportedly planning future attacks. Security personnel also destroyed multiple militant hideouts and recovered a large cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives from the site. The military said security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations across Balochistan to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent attacks on civilians and security personnel. Officials maintained that such operations would continue until militant infrastructure is completely dismantled. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for the successful operation and commended their professionalism and courage. He said the forces had once again foiled the plans of militants attempting to spread violence and instability in Balochistan. He added that the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism remains unwavering and that the entire nation stands with the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in their efforts to restore peace and stability. The latest operation came only hours after unidentified gunmen attacked a vehicle carrying members of the judiciary on the National Highway in Mastung. A district and sessions judge and his security guard were killed in the attack, while an additional sessions judge and another person suffered serious injuries. Security forces later cordoned off the area, launched a search operation and established checkpoints to trace the attackers. The operation also follows another series of intelligence-based raids carried out a day earlier, during which security forces killed 10 suspected militants and arrested two female suicide bombers along with a facilitator in different areas of Balochistan.

  • | |

    Tom Holland aims to do all his own dancing in Fred…

    Tom Holland is preparing for one of the most demanding roles of his career as he gets ready to portray legendary dancer and actor Fred Astaire in an upcoming biographical film. The Spider-Man star recently revealed that he has already returned to the dance studio and is undergoing intensive training to ensure he can perform every dance sequence himself. His goal is not only to honor Astaire’s extraordinary legacy but also to recreate the magic of his performances with complete authenticity.  Speaking during recent television interviews, Holland admitted that stepping into Astaire’s shoes is both thrilling and intimidating. He described his early rehearsals as filling him with “excitement and absolute dread,” acknowledging the immense challenge that comes with portraying one of Hollywood’s greatest dancers. Rather than relying on stunt doubles, Holland said he hopes to perform all of the dance routines himself and even film many of them in uninterrupted long takes—the same style that made Fred Astaire’s performances so iconic.  For Holland, the project is especially meaningful because it reconnects him with his roots. Before becoming an international film star, he trained extensively in dance and rose to fame as the lead in London’s West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical. However, after leaving the stage to focus on acting, he stepped away from professional dance training. The actor has now admitted that quitting dance was one of his biggest career regrets, making this film the perfect opportunity to rediscover a skill that first launched his career.  The untitled Fred Astaire biopic will be directed by acclaimed filmmaker Paul King, known for the Paddington films, with a screenplay by Steven Levenson. Although the project was first announced several years ago, production is now expected to begin in January 2027 after Holland completes promotional commitments for Spider-Man: Brand New Day and other upcoming releases.  Holland has described the role as the beginning of a new chapter in his acting career. At 30, he believes it is time to move beyond youthful characters and embrace more challenging performances that test his abilities. Playing Fred Astaire, whose elegance, precision, and effortless style influenced generations of performers, represents exactly the kind of challenge he has been searching for.  Fans have praised Holland’s commitment to authenticity, noting that his background in dance gives him a unique advantage in bringing Astaire to life. If he succeeds in performing every routine without doubles, the film could become one of the most technically impressive dance biopics in recent years. As rehearsals continue, anticipation for the film is steadily growing. With months of intensive preparation ahead, Tom Holland appears determined to deliver a performance worthy of Fred Astaire’s remarkable legacy. His dedication, discipline, and passion for dance suggest audiences may soon witness one of the most ambitious performances of his career. 

  • | | |

    Pakistani envoy highlights investment opportunitie…

    Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has held a series of meetings with American business leaders. The discussions focused on expanding economic and investment ties between Pakistan and the United States. The ambassador encouraged US investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan. He particularly highlighted the country’s mining and surgical instruments sectors. Sheikh said American investment could play an important role in developing Pakistan’s mineral resources. He stressed the need to add greater value to these resources through modern technology and investment. The ambassador also highlighted opportunities in Pakistan’s mineral sector. He said stronger cooperation with American companies could help improve processing and value addition. During the meetings, Sheikh welcomed an ongoing $200 million joint venture related to the export of Pakistani pink salt. He described such projects as an important step towards expanding trade and investment links between the two countries. He also called for increased US investment in Pakistan’s surgical instruments industry. The sector has significant potential for growth, particularly through modern production methods, advanced technology and international market access. As part of his engagements, Sheikh visited a facility in Naperville involved in the finishing, packaging and distribution of Pakistani surgical instruments. During the visit, he discussed the need to further develop the sector. He said Pakistani businesses could benefit from modern technology, better training and improved technical skills. The ambassador stressed that investment in skills and technology was important for increasing the quality and competitiveness of Pakistani surgical products. Sheikh also met officials of the Pakistan-American Chicago Land Chamber of Commerce. The meeting focused on strengthening commercial links between Pakistani and American businesses. He encouraged closer interaction between business communities in both countries. He said stronger business-to-business connections could help identify new investment opportunities and expand bilateral trade. The ambassador’s engagements form part of efforts to promote Pakistan as an attractive destination for foreign investment. The focus on minerals, surgical instruments and other export-oriented sectors is aimed at creating stronger commercial partnerships with US businesses.

  • | | |

    PM Shehbaz hails PML-N’s stunning AJK victory

    The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerged as the leading party in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections. Unofficial and unofficial results from all 13 constituencies in the Mirpur division showed that PML-N candidates won nine seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured four. PML-N won constituencies LA-1 Mirpur-1, LA-4 Mirpur-4, LA-5 Bhimber-1, LA-6 Bhimber-2, LA-7 Bhimber-3, LA-9 Kotli-2, LA-11 Kotli-4, LA-12 Kotli-5 and LA-13 Kotli-6. The PPP secured two seats in Mirpur and two in Kotli. Its successful constituencies included LA-2 Mirpur-2, LA-3 Mirpur-3, LA-8 Kotli-1 and LA-10 Kotli-3. Voting was held on July 27 across 13 constituencies covering Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. Polling officially ended at 5pm, after which an additional hour was allowed for voters already waiting to cast their ballots. Following the announcement of the initial results, PML-N candidates and supporters celebrated their party’s strong performance in the first phase. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated PML-N candidates on securing a clear lead in the AJK elections. He said the strong participation of political parties demonstrated the successful continuation of the democratic process. The prime minister urged voters to participate with the same enthusiasm in the next phase of the elections and contribute to strengthening the democratic process. He also praised PML-N’s campaign in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, saying the party’s team, under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, had conducted a highly successful election campaign.

  • | |

    Paris Jackson reveals nightmare experience at trea…

    Paris Jackson is opening up about one of the darkest periods of her teenage years, revealing previously undisclosed details about her experience at a treatment facility after a suicide attempt at age 15. The singer and actress recently described her time at a Utah treatment center as a deeply distressing experience. Jackson said the facility, which was supposed to help her recover, instead left her with additional emotional wounds. Her comments offer a rare look at the difficult experiences she faced during her adolescence. (The News⁠) Jackson has spoken publicly before about struggling with her mental health as a teenager. After the death of her father, Michael Jackson, in 2009, she faced intense grief while growing up under constant public attention. At 15, she attempted suicide and later received treatment. In her latest account, Jackson described the facility as a place where she felt trapped rather than supported. She recalled eventually escaping from the Utah facility, despite being warned about what could happen if she tried to leave. The experience appears to have had a lasting effect on her. Jackson has previously discussed being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after attending a treatment program, and she has also expressed solidarity with other people who have described harmful experiences in youth treatment facilities. Her story highlights a complicated part of mental health treatment that is often overlooked. While professional care can be essential during a crisis, Jackson’s experience shows why young people need environments where they feel safe, respected and genuinely heard. Over the years, Jackson has continued working to rebuild her life and establish an identity separate from her famous family. She has pursued music, modeling and acting, while becoming increasingly open about her experiences with addiction, grief and mental health. Her recovery has not been presented as a simple journey. Instead, Jackson has described difficult setbacks alongside periods of growth. In 2020, she spoke about how songwriting helped her process painful emotions and turn difficult experiences into something creative. (ABC News⁠) Jackson’s willingness to discuss her past also gives fans a different perspective on the person behind the headlines. Growing up as Michael Jackson’s daughter brought enormous attention, but her struggles were deeply personal. Her latest revelations are particularly significant because they show that seeking help does not always mean every treatment experience feels healing. Jackson’s account reinforces the importance of compassionate and appropriate care, especially for vulnerable teenagers. Today, she continues to focus on her music and personal growth. By speaking honestly about the painful chapters of her past, Jackson is also helping start conversations about mental health, trauma and the importance of finding safe ways to recover.

  • | |

    PPP chairman Bilawal alleges ‘vote theft’ in A…

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accused political opponents of “stealing” votes in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, urging the state to decide whether the national interest or the interests of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) should take priority. Addressing a PPP workers’ convention in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal claimed that voters in Mirpur and Kotli had been denied their electoral rights and questioned whether the developments surrounding the AJK elections could genuinely be described as democracy. Bilawal thanked the people of Mirpur, saying they had supported the PPP through their votes. However, he alleged that decisions by state institutions appeared to be favouring the PML-N, warning that such a situation would ultimately hurt Kashmir, Pakistan and ordinary citizens. “National interest must come first,” Bilawal said, according to his party’s account of the speech. He maintained that the PPP would stand with the state of Pakistan when it comes to national interests, but not when, in his view, those interests were being confused with the interests of a political party. He also criticised what he described as restrictions on political activity and internet connectivity, saying such measures could undermine the democratic character of AJK. Bilawal argued that shutting down internet services would create an impression inconsistent with the idea of an “Azad Kashmir”. His remarks came after the first phase of the AJK elections in the Mirpur division was marked by clashes, violence and allegations of electoral manipulation. Polling was held across 13 constituencies in Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber, with rival PPP and PML-N supporters accusing each other of irregularities. The election environment also turned violent in Kotli, where one person was killed and others were injured during clashes. The PPP alleged rigging and ballot stuffing in several constituencies, while the wider electoral process remained under scrutiny. Bilawal questioned how attacks could occur at multiple polling stations despite extensive security arrangements. He alleged that the elections were being conducted in phases in a manner that could facilitate manipulation. The PPP chairman further vowed to pursue what he called the rights of party workers and said his party would not accept the denial of its supporters’ mandate. With more phases of polling still to come, demands for free, fair and transparent elections are likely to remain at the centre of political debate in AJK. Bilawal said the PPP’s reconciliation-based political approach should be considered to protect democratic institutions and what he described as the broader Kashmir cause.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *