WAPDA excluded as PCB revamps President’s Trophy G-I structure

LAHORE - Defending champions WAPDA have been excluded from the President’s Trophy Grade-I competition for the 2026-27 domestic season after failing to meet the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) new participation requirements. The PCB announced that OGDCL and Kingsmen Academy will replace WAPDA and Sahir Associates in the revamped Grade-I structure. The decision follows the introduction of stricter regulations aimed at improving professionalism, player welfare and accountability in domestic cricket. WAPDA, despite winning last season’s title, did not submit the required participation fee, leading to their removal. Under the new framework, departments must conduct player fitness tests, include at least one U-21 player in playing XIs and ensure transparent payment systems for contracts and match fees. PCB officials said the reforms are designed to strengthen departmental cricket and create better opportunities for emerging players. The eight Grade-I teams for 2026-27 are KRL, Kingsmen Academy, OGDCL, PTV, Ghani Glass, MIT Solutions, SBP and SNGPL.

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