National T20 Cup 2025: Schedule, Teams, and Prize Pool Details

National T20 Cup 2025

The excitement around Pakistan domestic cricket is gearing up as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announces the schedule and squad details for the much-anticipated National T20 Cup 2025. This year tournament promises to be a thrilling ride for cricket fans as 18 teams from 16 different regions across Pakistan battle it out from March 15 to March 27. The competition is set to showcase some of the finest cricketing talent in the country, with rising stars and seasoned players alike vying for the prestigious title.

With the PCB having already set the stage for the tournament, including the announcement of a substantial prize pool, fans are eagerly awaiting the matches. This year edition will take place across three cities – Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan – with Faisalabad being the primary venue, hosting the majority of the matches, including all of the knockout stages. Let dive into the schedule, teams, and the exciting prize pool that awaits the winners.

Tournament Structure and Venues

The National T20 Cup 2025 will feature 39 matches, with Faisalabad as the central hub for the action. Faisalabad will host 23 matches, including all knockout rounds, making it the heart of the competition. The remaining matches will be split between Multan and Lahore, with the Multan Cricket Stadium and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore both hosting eight games each.

The tournament will be divided into four groups, each consisting of a unique combination of teams from across the country. Group A, Group B, Group C, and Group D will each see intense competition as the teams aim to secure a spot in the knockout stages. With the top two teams from each group moving forward to the quarter-finals, the league stage promises to be a critical phase where every game counts.

Prize Pool and Incentives

The PCB has announced a total prize pool of PKR 9.4 million for the National T20 Cup 2025, ensuring that the competition remains enticing for all the participating teams. The champions of the tournament will take home a substantial cash prize of PKR 5 million, while the runners-up will receive PKR 2.5 million. These monetary incentives reflect the PCB commitment to enhancing the domestic cricket scene in Pakistan, motivating players to perform to the best of their abilities.

Given the competitive nature of the tournament, the prize pool will undoubtedly act as an additional source of motivation for players, with many aiming to showcase their talent in front of selectors, fans, and sponsors. The financial rewards also highlight the growing commercial interest in Pakistan domestic cricket ecosystem, with the National T20 Cup now an event to look forward to for both players and fans.

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Group Breakdown and Team Overview

The 18 teams participating in the National T20 Cup 2025 have been divided into four groups, with each group comprising a mix of regional teams. Here a closer look at the teams and their groupings:

Group A: Karachi Region (Blues), Lahore Region (Whites), Larkana Region, Peshawar Region, and Quetta Region.
Group B: Karachi Region (Whites), Bahawalpur Region, Dera Murad Jamali Region, Islamabad Region, and Lahore Region (Blues).
Group C: Abbottabad Region, Faisalabad Region, Hyderabad Region, and Rawalpindi Region.
Group D: AJK Region, FATA Region, Multan Region, and Sialkot Region.
Each group will see competitive matchups as teams battle it out to secure their place in the quarter-finals. Notably, Karachi Region (Whites) is the defending champion, and they will be looking to retain their title. The diverse representation from all corners of Pakistan will bring in a dynamic set of playing styles and strategies, making every match unpredictable and thrilling.

Key Players to Watch

Several key players are expected to shine in the National T20 Cup 2025, with the squads boasting some of Pakistan best cricketing talent. The Karachi Region teams, both Blues and Whites, feature high-profile players such as Shan Masood, Khurram Manzoor, and Saad Baig. These players are crucial to their respective teams’ success and will look to carry their teams through the tournament.

Asif Ali, the dynamic captain of the Faisalabad Region, is another standout player who could have a significant impact on his team performance. His explosive batting and leadership skills will be pivotal in guiding Faisalabad to a strong finish. Meanwhile, Islamabad Region, with players like Rohail Nazir and Musa Khan, is expected to be a formidable opponent in the competition.

The Multan Region squad, which includes well-known players like Imam-ul-Haq and Aamer Yamin, will also be one to watch. With a mixture of experienced international players and rising stars, Multan team has the potential to make a deep run in the tournament.

Schedule and Match Timings

The National T20 Cup 2025 will kick off with a double-header on March 15, taking place in Faisalabad. The opening match will feature Karachi Region (Whites) against Islamabad Region at 7:00 PM. The second match will follow at 11:00 PM, providing an exciting start to the tournament.

Matches in Lahore and Multan will begin with the first match at 4:30 PM, followed by the second match at 9:00 PM. The schedule is designed to cater to the evening crowd, ensuring that fans can enjoy the matches after work or school, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the tournament.

As the tournament progresses, the competition will intensify, leading to the highly anticipated knockout stages. The quarter-finals will be played on March 23 and 24, followed by the semi-finals on March 26. The grand final is set to take place on March 27, where the best team of the tournament will be crowned the champion and take home the lucrative prize money.

Tournament Highlights and Anticipated Drama

The National T20 Cup 2025 is expected to be full of excitement, drama, and nail-biting finishes. With so many teams and talented players involved, fans can expect competitive cricket that showcases the best of Pakistan domestic talent. The diversity in playing styles, from explosive batting to sharp bowling, will keep the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the tournament.

Moreover, the presence of regional teams adds an element of local pride and passion to the competition. Each match will have a unique storyline, as teams fight not only for victory but for the honor of their respective regions. The knockout stages will see the intensity rise, with teams looking to outsmart each other in the high-stakes environment.

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