OGDCL, Kings Men Academy replace WAPDA, Sahir Associates in Grade-I cricket

WEB DESK: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the teams that will compete in Grade-I departmental cricket for the upcoming domestic season, replacing the OGDCL and Kings Men Academy with WAPDA and Sahir Associates.

The decision by the PCB comes after both WAPDA and Sahir Associates failed to meet the standards set for departmental cricket. “The PCB will make no compromise on the on-field and off-field standards of departmental cricket teams,” the board said.

All departmental teams will be required to implement the PCB’s fitness policy and ensure transparent payment of annual contracts, match fees, and daily allowances to players.

The PCB has also made it mandatory for all eight Grade-I departmental teams to field at least one Under-21 player in every List A and first-class match.

In addition, teams will be required to provide players with quality accommodation and meals during tournaments.

The PCB described departmental cricket as the backbone of Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure, adding that all departments would work closely with the board to promote player welfare.

The eight Grade-I departmental teams are: SNGPL, KRL, Kings Men Academy, OGDCL, PTV, Ghani Glass, MIT Solutions and State Bank of Pakistan.

Senior General Manager Domestic Cricket Osama Sharron said the PCB would continue striving to maintain the highest professional standards in domestic cricket.

“There can be no compromise on merit and accountability in the organisation of departmental cricket,” he said.

He added that the primary objective was to enhance players’ abilities by ensuring competitive domestic cricket, noting that departmental cricket has historically played a vital role in the development of Pakistan cricket.