PCB axes WAPDA and Sahir Associates from 2026-27 domestic season
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A Significant Shift in Pakistan Cricket Governance
The landscape of Pakistan’s domestic cricket is undergoing a period of intense transition. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made the decisive move to exclude WAPDA—a long-standing powerhouse and the current first-class champions—alongside Sahir Associates from the upcoming domestic season. This action follows the implementation of a rigorous set of regulations introduced in June, which the board insists are vital for the advancement of the sport.
The Rationale Behind the Exclusion
The PCB has framed this decision as a necessary step to uphold the integrity and professional standards of the game. According to an official statement, the new regulations were drafted after a comprehensive review of the previous tournament cycle. The board aims to ensure that the President’s Trophy and the President’s Cup, the premier first-class and List A competitions for departmental teams, operate with a higher level of transparency and professionalism.
These regulations grant the PCB the authority to audit financial transactions between departments and their players, specifically monitoring the consistency of monthly salaries and match fees. Furthermore, the board has mandated that all participating departments provide year-long contracts to their athletes, while also setting specific guidelines for player accommodation, daily allowances, and the implementation of structured fitness programs.
The Participation Fee Controversy
While the administrative oversight is a significant factor, the primary point of contention appears to be a threefold increase in the participation fee, which now stands at PKR 15 million. This hike sparked extensive negotiations between the various departments and the PCB leadership. Reports indicate that six other participating departments—Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), Pakistan Television (PTV), Ghani Glass, MIT Solutions, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL)—eventually agreed to the higher costs. This acceptance, however, was contingent upon the PCB providing assurances that it would absorb expenses related to live-streaming production, ground rental, and the cost of match balls.
WAPDA, for its part, sought a revision of the fee structure, but could not reach an agreement with the board. Meanwhile, PCB officials have suggested that the reluctance of WAPDA and Sahir Associates to comply may also stem from concerns regarding the board’s new powers to supervise and audit player contracts and compensation packages.
The Impact on Tournament Structure
The departure of these two entities has opened doors for new participants. OGDCL and Kingsmen Academy have been confirmed as replacements for the upcoming season. OGDCL was initially slated to participate in the President’s Trophy Grade 2 following a relegation, while Kingsmen Academy earned their spot after a strong showing in the previous Grade 2 competition.
The standard structure of the domestic tournament involves a relegation system where the bottom-ranked team in the President’s Trophy falls to the Grade 2 event, while the winner of the secondary tournament earns promotion to the first-class tier. The inclusion of OGDCL and Kingsmen serves to maintain the required number of teams, ensuring that the tournament schedule remains uninterrupted.
The situation remains fluid. For instance, KRL had initially considered withdrawing from the tournament due to the increased financial burden of the participation fee but reversed their decision following productive late-stage negotiations with the board. This highlights the delicate balance the PCB must maintain between enforcing professional standards and ensuring the financial viability of its departmental partners.
As the 2026-27 season approaches, the cricket community will be watching closely to see how these new regulations impact the overall quality of play. The PCB’s stance remains firm: to compete at the highest level of domestic cricket, departments must now be prepared to operate under a more transparent and standardized professional framework. Whether this leads to a more robust domestic system or creates further friction between the board and its traditional departmental stakeholders remains a key question for the future of Pakistan cricket.