PCB likely to split Quaid-e-Azam Trophy to create T20 window

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering to split the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the first class tournament, into two parts this season to create a window for a national T20 tournament before the players' draft for the next Pakistan Super League.

Sources informed Geo.tv that the board was considering to sandwich this year's national T20 during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches to ensure maximum opportunity for players to get noticed for next season's PSL.

"The draft for the next season of the Pakistan Super League is likely to be held in November and the Pakistan Cricket Board wants all domestic T20 players to have the opportunity to show their skills before the draft so that they can be picked by teams in time," said the source.

"Pakistan is also scheduled to play a two-Test match series against Sri Lanka in October. This means that there would be a need for some long-format matches at home so selectors can have an idea of the new talent and players can get some practice as well," the source added.

Keeping in view both the Sri Lanka Test series and the PSL draft, the PCB has decided to have the shorter format tournament sandwiched between the longer format games.

"There will be three or four rounds of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and then there will be a break to have the T20 tournament and, at the conclusion of the national T20 tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy would be resumed,” the source said.

The national one-day tournament will be played following the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

According to sources, the first class tournament is likely to be kicked off in mid-September.

Meanwhile, the source said that PCB was also aiming to complete its under-19 tournament before mid-October so that a team could be prepared in time for the upcoming U19 World Cup.