Presidents Trophy Final Moved to Lahore Gymkhana
The Presidents Trophy final has been moved again, with the title match now set for the Lahore Gymkhana Ground from October 27 to 31. The Presidents Trophy final between State Bank of Pakistan and Markhor IT Solutions was already shifted once, and sources told Geo Super on Saturday that the venue and dates have changed a second time.
The final was first scheduled for the SBP Sports Complex in Karachi from October 25 to 29. It was then moved to the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground in Lahore. Now, sources say, it will be played at Lahore Gymkhana Ground instead, starting two days later than first planned.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has not formally announced the latest change, according to the sources.
Presidents Trophy final: a twice-moved title match
The first move already caused disruption. The SBP team had reached Karachi from Islamabad for the final, only to travel back to Lahore when the venue changed. A second move, even within the same city, adds fresh planning work for both teams, from practice facilities to travel and accommodation.
For a domestic final, such changes are more than an administrative detail. First-class finals are played over five days, and teams plan their preparation around the ground, the pitch and the conditions. Lahore Gymkhana, the LCCA Ground and the SBP Sports Complex in Karachi each offer different settings, so a late switch can change how captains think about selection and tactics.
The tournament itself is an eight-team competition, and the finalists earned their places over seven rounds. SBP finished at the top of the standings with 107 points from seven matches, winning two and drawing five to stay unbeaten. MIT Solutions finished second with 96 points, winning two, losing one and drawing four.
How the finalists got there
SBP sealed top spot in their last-round match against Kingsmen Academy at the National Cricket Ground in Islamabad. Set 295 runs to win on the final day, SBP reached 208 for three, with opener Hasan Raza scoring an unbeaten century, before time ran out with only 57 overs bowled.
MIT Solutions confirmed second place by beating Pakistan Television by six wickets inside three days in their last-round fixture. That result set up a final between the two most consistent sides in the tournament.
The latest change follows an earlier move of the same final from Karachi to Lahore, covered in our report on the Presidents Trophy final move from Karachi to Lahore. The new Gymkhana dates mean the final will now run from October 27 to 31, rather than October 25 to 29.
What the delay means for domestic cricket
Domestic cricket in Pakistan is in a busy period, with the board also exploring new formats. The PCB is considering a six-a-side tournament for the off-season, as reported in our coverage of the PCB PSL Sixes tournament plan. Against that background, a smoothly run first-class final matters, because it is the shop window for players hoping to push for higher honours.
A five-day final also tests depth. Captains must manage fast bowlers across long spells, batsmen must build innings over sessions, and fielding sides must stay sharp through slow periods. SBP’s unbeaten record suggests a side that is hard to beat, while MIT Solutions have shown they can win quickly, as their three-day win over PTV proved.
For fans in Lahore, the move to Gymkhana Ground keeps the final in the city, which is good news after the Karachi plan was dropped. For the teams, the hope will be that this is the last change, and that the focus from October 27 can return to cricket rather than logistics.
An official PCB announcement would still help. Until one comes, both squads must prepare for a Gymkhana final on the dates reported by sources, and supporters should check for confirmation before travelling. In other cricket news, Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the deciding Test against Australia, while Afghanistan thumped Zimbabwe to win the ODI tri-series final.
Frequently asked questions
When will the Presidents Trophy final be played?
From October 27 to 31, according to sources, at Lahore Gymkhana Ground.
Who is playing in the final?
State Bank of Pakistan against Markhor IT Solutions.
Why has the final moved twice?
It was first set for Karachi, then moved to the LCCA Ground in Lahore, and now to Lahore Gymkhana Ground, according to sources. The PCB has not formally announced the latest change.
How did the finalists qualify?
SBP topped the eight-team standings with 107 points and stayed unbeaten, while MIT Solutions finished second with 96 points.
