The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has fundamentally restructured its domestic cricket framework in 2025, shifting to a stringent performance-based system and introducing a first-of-its-kind national school cricket programme to create a direct pathway to the senior team, Director Domestic Cricket Operations Abdullah Khurram Niazi announced today in a year-end review.
In what was described as a landmark year for emerging talent, a formal school cricket competition was established nationwide for the first time, creating a tiered progression from U15 and U17 levels through to the U19 and first-class setups.
“Our entire pyramid is connected with purpose and clarity,” Niazi stated, explaining the new coherent pathway provides a clear route for aspiring cricketers from grassroots competitions to the Pakistan Shaheens and the national squad.
This structural overhaul includes a decisive move away from a “culture-based system,” a change aligned with the vision of Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi. Niazi noted that the response to the new performance-centric approach has been “very positive.”
Another significant development in 2025 was the live-streaming and broadcast of major domestic tournaments, a move termed a “breakthrough.” According to the director, this increased visibility allows stakeholders to more effectively assess the quality of players.
The domestic season featured a full slate of competitions, including active club and inter-district events, the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, and departmental tournaments, which saw participation from over 28 departments at the Grade-II level.
Looking ahead, the PCB plans to establish 16 regional academies and has implemented strict fitness benchmarks across all levels of the game. “Only players who meet minimum fitness standards are allowed to compete,” Niazi confirmed.
He emphasised the board”s comprehensive strategy, utilising the National Cricket Academy and high-performance centres to develop players, officials, and support staff, with the “one clear goal to take Pakistan cricket to the top.”