First-class cricket is the most important tier for the development and sustenance in any cricket playing nation. Almost all Test playing nations have prestigious first-class competitions, which provide an identity to the domestic cricket played in that particular country. In Pakistan's domestic system, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy holds that value and honour. The first-ever first-class match in Pakistan was played from 27th-29th December - a few months after Independence - when Sindh and Punjab faced-off at the Bagh-e-Jinnah Ground in Lahore.
The six stars are the representative of the six Cricket Associations; the colours green and gold symbolise the green fields of cricket and the talented individuals playing the game. Overall, Karachi sides have won the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 20 times. Karachi Blues won the trophy nine times and Karachi Whites completed a hat trick of titles from 1990-91 to 1992-93. Teams from other cities were given a chance to compete in the tournament alongside the traditional powerhouses Karachi and Lahore. Peshawar, Quetta and Dhaka were joined by the likes of Sukkur, Khairpur, Dera Ismail Khan and Hazara who all attained first-class status by competing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
From 2000-01 to 2013-14, Sialkot won the title twice with Peshawar, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi also securing one tournament win apiece. The top four teams from each group qualified for 'Super Eight'. The last six in the standings competed in a 'Bottom-Six' competition, which was won by Faisalabad.
The forthcoming edition of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which begins on 14 September, would feature six Cricket Association sides in the First XI (the first-class competition) and Second XI tournaments. The new domestic system focuses on the quality of competition which will produce some thrilling and high octane matches, while narrowing the gap between domestic and international cricket.
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