With only a month left before the domestic cricket season kicks off, there has been no official announcement yet regarding the departmental teams’ participation. Last year, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, also the patron in chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), lifted the ban on departmental sports, paving the way for their return.
The first-class cricket season is set to begin in September, and the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will see the participation of eight departmental cricket teams this year. However, despite their revival after a two-year hiatus, these teams have not yet declared their official establishment.
Sources involved in the restoration process revealed that while verbal agreements between players and departmental management have been finalized, official letters are yet to be issued. One of the primary reasons for the delay is the lack of approval for the sports budget by the respective departments.
It is expected that contract and appointment letters will be issued in August once the sports budget is approved, typically one to two months after the federal government budget is finalized.
Despite the delay, sources assure that all preparations for the establishment of cricket teams are completed. In August, several departments are anticipated to announce their cricket teams and officials. However, the recent change in the PCB’s hierarchy and the country’s political and economic circumstances have also contributed to the slow pace of restoring departmental sports teams. Nonetheless, department sports officials are actively engaged in discussions with cricketers to resolve any pending matters.
The good news is that a number of leading cricketers and emerging talents have informally been hired by various departments, with more details set to emerge in the coming month. Additionally, it has been confirmed that seven departmental teams have already committed to participating in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the return of departmental teams to the domestic cricket scene, the hope is that the formal establishment announcements will soon follow, adding further excitement to the upcoming cricket season.
Also, see:
Nida Dar’s goal is to groom youngsters for Pakistan Women’s Cricket
