Prize money for Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25 announced

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Wednesday the prize money for the upcoming Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25, which is set to begin on October 26. A total prize pot of PKR 12.6 million will be available, with the tournament's winner receiving PKR 7.5 million and the runners-up taking home PKR 4 million, according to a PCB press release.

The opening match will see defending champions Karachi Region Whites face off against Peshawar Region at Ashfaq Ground in Charsadda. This year, the prestigious first-class tournament features 18 teams from 16 regions, divided into three groups. The top team from each group will advance to the triangular stage.

In the triangular stage, each of the top teams will play two matches, with the leading two sides qualifying for the final, which is scheduled to take place from December 14 to 18. The venues for both the triangular stage and the final will be confirmed shortly.

The tournament will unfold across six cities: Abbottabad, Charsadda, Gujranwala, Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, hosting a total of 45 group matches. Islamabad will feature three venues—Diamond Ground, Marghazar Ground, and National Ground—for Group A matches. Meanwhile, Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Ashfaq Ground, and Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi will host Group B matches. Group C fixtures will take place at Gujranwala’s Jinnah Cricket Stadium, Saeed Sports City in Lahore, and Rana Naveed Academy in Sheikhupura.

The groups for the tournament are as follows:

• Group A: Abbottabad Region, Faisalabad Region, Hyderabad Region, Islamabad Region, Lahore Region Whites, Larkana Region.
• Group B: AJK Region, Bahawalpur Region, Karachi Region Whites, Multan Region, Peshawar Region, Rawalpindi Region.
• Group C: Dera Murad Jamali, FATA Region, Karachi Region Blues, Lahore Region Blues, Quetta Region, Sialkot Region.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's Statement on the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy

“I am pleased to announce that the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy has been formally approved. This tournament holds immense importance in the structure of Pakistan’s domestic cricket and its continuation ensures the cultivation of talent for our national team.

“The tournament will provide young and emerging players the opportunity to showcase their skills and stake a claim to represent in the Men’s international team. The expansion of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy from eight to 18 teams this year increases the talent pool and allows more regions to participate at the highest level.

“I have personally instructed all concerned officials to ensure that the arrangements for this tournament are of the highest standard. The PCB is committed to providing the best environment for players to perform at their best and for the tournament to run smoothly and professionally.”