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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced the start of the 2025-26 domestic cricket season, with the Hanif Mohammad Trophy (HMT), which is set to begin on August 29.
The tournament will feature 12 regional teams competing for two spots in the country’s premier first-class competition, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
“It was earlier announced to start on 15 August, but has been delayed, keeping in mind the availability of Pakistan Shaheens’ players to their respective regions,” the board said in a statement.
The 12-team tournament is divided into two groups, with Group A and Group B featuring top regional teams from the country. The final is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, 25th September.
“Group A matches will be played in Bahawalpur, Multan, and Rahim Yar Khan, while it comprises Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Karachi Whites, Lahore Blues, and Quetta,” the statement said.
“Group B teams include Dera Murad Jamali, FATA, Karachi Blues, Larkana, Multan, and Rawalpindi. Their matches will be played in Karachi,” it added.
The Hanif Mohammad Trophy will be played over five rounds, with each round comprising six matches.
Each regional will play five games and the topper of each group will advance to the country’s premier first-class tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Teams: Sialkot, Islamabad, Lahore Whites, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Bahawalpur, Qualifier 1 (Topper Group A), Qualifier 2 (Topper Group B)
Hanif Mohammad Trophy Fixtures
1st Round – 29 Aug- 1 Sep
Group A
Faisalabad v Lahore Blues
Hyderabad v Karachi Whites
Quetta v AJK
Group B
Rawalpindi v FATA
Karachi Blues v Multan
Dera Murad Jamali v Larkana
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