LAHORE – Pakistan’s domestic cricket is set for a major shake-up as the PCB launches a new three-tier departmental structure for the 2025-26 season. The redesigned model, running from August 2025 to May 2026, expands the previous two-tier system into three distinct levels – Grade-I, Grade-II, and the newly created Grade-III.
The PCB says the move aims to inject more competition and create a transparent promotion-relegation system, ensuring every department has a clear pathway to climb up the ranks. Over 40 departments from across the country will be part of the revamped system, offering players exposure to a variety of formats, from two-day to three-day matches, as well as List A and first-class cricket.
Grade-III teams, chosen based on their standings in last season’s President’s Trophy Grade-II, will compete in two-day matches during March and April 2026. The top two sides will be promoted, while the bottom two from Grade-II will be relegated.
In Grade-II, 12 teams – including Ahmed Glass, JDW Sugar Mills, Port Qasim, and others – will compete alongside two sides relegated from Grade-I. This 14-team President’s Trophy Grade-II, a three-day competition, will run from March to May 2026, with the winner moving up to the top flight for the following season.
The Grade-I circuit will kick off with the President’s Cup, a 50-over event in November and December featuring sides like Khan Research Laboratories, WAPDA, Sui Northern Gas, and State Bank. After that, the same teams will contest the first-class President’s Trophy, a 29-match competition concluding in January 2026.
PCB Director of Domestic Cricket Operations Abdullah Khurram Niazi called the new structure a landmark step in strengthening Pakistan’s domestic game.
“Departmental cricket remains the bedrock of our domestic season. By dividing it into three tiers, we’ve made it more competitive and ensured that deserving teams get a chance to rise. This structure will help identify and develop talent while rewarding consistent performance,” he said, adding that over 400 players will benefit from the expanded system.
The PCB has also urged departments to form women’s teams as part of its efforts to grow the women’s domestic circuit, with more details expected soon.
With a promotion-relegation model in place, the PCB hopes the new system will not only raise the standard of domestic cricket but also strengthen the pipeline for the national team.