Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq Return to Quaid-e-Azam Trophy
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and opening batter Imam-ul-Haq are set to take part in the upcoming Quaid-e-Azam Trophy after making themselves available for their regional teams. The tournament stands as the premier first-class competition in Pakistan, offering national team contenders a chance to display their red-ball skills. Both athletes decided to register themselves for domestic duty following recent developments regarding their availability. According to reports, Rizwan will represent Peshawar, while Imam will play for Multan in the first-class tournament, which begins November 3.
The inclusion of these two prominent national team figures provides a considerable boost to their respective regional sides. Domestic red-ball cricket forms the backbone of the selection structure in Pakistan, ensuring that players maintain match fitness between international assignments. Peshawar and Multan will benefit from the experience and leadership both athletes bring to the field. Fans and analysts look forward to seeing how these high-profile names perform in the opening round of matches.
Recent Participation in President's Trophy Grade-I
Both players recently participated in the President's Trophy Grade-I 2026-27, with Rizwan representing Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Imam playing for Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL). Departmental cricket remains a vital part of the domestic structure, pitting corporate-backed sides against one another in multi-day matches. Rizwan captained SNGPL, while Imam led OGDCL in the competition, which started September 12. Leading departmental sides demands tactical awareness and consistent personal performances across long fixtures.
Departmental tournaments run alongside regional competitions to widen the talent pool available to selectors. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited and Oil and Gas Development Company Limited have traditionally featured strong squads filled with seasoned campaigners and promising youngsters. Managing these teams through a grueling schedule tests the leadership qualities of senior figures like Rizwan and Imam. Their time with SNGPL and OGDCL served as their immediate preparation for the upcoming regional matches.
Initial Hurdles and Investigations by the Pakistan Cricket Board
However, both players missed the first six rounds after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially denied them permission to participate. Administrative blocks and regulatory reviews often precede the clearance of high-profile athletes when external matters arise. Their absence came amid an ongoing investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) into reported allegations involving online betting and gambling activities. They also faced an inquiry over the alleged leaking of dressing-room information during Pakistan's previous tour of England. These simultaneous probes created uncertainty regarding their immediate playing futures.
Their participation was also initially affected by concerns over mandatory preseason fitness assessments and whether they had submitted their fitness reports before the required deadline. The Pakistan Cricket Board enforces strict fitness benchmarks for all contracted players before allowing them to take the field in official fixtures. Failing to meet deadlines or clear physical tests results in immediate suspension from competitive duties until the criteria are satisfied. Resolution of these compliance issues paved the way for subsequent board clearances.
Board Clearance and Return to Domestic Action
The PCB eventually cleared both players to return to domestic cricket before the seventh and final round of the President's Trophy Grade-I. This clearance removed the legal and administrative barriers that kept them on the sidelines for the majority of the departmental season. Following the clearance, Imam was allowed to represent OGDCL against Ghani Glass, while Rizwan received permission to play for SNGPL against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL). Returning to the crease allowed both men to test their match sharpness ahead of the wider regional calendar.
Playing in the final round of the President's Trophy Grade-I helped them transition smoothly back into the rhythm of multi-day cricket. Domestic fixtures provide the necessary environment for athletes to regain batting form and bowling resilience after layoffs. Both veterans used those matches to spend valuable time in the middle. The successful return set the stage for their transition to the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
What the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Means for Peshawar and Multan
The first round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Grade-I is scheduled to begin November 3, with both players expected to strengthen their respective regional teams in Pakistan's premier first-class competition. Regional sides often rely on the presence of international stars to guide younger squad members through difficult sessions. Peshawar gains a reliable anchor and tactician in Rizwan, who brings intense focus behind the stumps and at the top or middle of the batting order. Multan secures a technically sound opening option in Imam, capable of blunting new-ball attacks in testing conditions.
First-class matches in Pakistan challenge players with varying pitch surfaces, ranging from spinning tracks in the interior provinces to lively green surfaces in other regions. Adapting quickly to these environments determines the success of regional franchises throughout the multi-week tournament. With the administrative hurdles now firmly in the past, both cricketers can concentrate entirely on their on-field responsibilities. Their performances over the coming weeks will dictate the fortunes of Peshawar and Multan as the competition unfolds.
