‘Quaid Trophy final to make history’

The final will be a historic moment in Pakistan’s domestic cricket history: PCB Chairman.

The decision to play the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy final under lights and with a coloured ball has been taken to improve the standard of the game in the country, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt.

The final, between HBL and PIA, starts from Thursday and will be the first time in the country’s first-class history to be played under these changes.

The decision, according to Ijaz, will also help in attracting a bigger crowd.

“The final will be a historic moment in Pakistan’s domestic cricket history,” said the PCB chairman. “This innovation is in line with the initiatives that the PCB has been taking to improve the standard of the game in Pakistan. We look forward to an interesting contest between the two teams.”

While the winner will pocket Rs 1 million, the runners-up will take home Rs 500,000 with other prizes at stake as well.

The PCB Director-General Javed Miandad added that the new concept is an exciting one and will give players the chance to become part of history.

“I urge all Karachiites to come and become part of this historical moment as there input will be invaluable to us. The success of this event will bode well for our domestic structure as it could have positive implications for holding matches during the summers.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11^th, 2011.