Rizwan, Imam Set for Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Return
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq are set to feature in the upcoming Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, with both players making themselves available for their regional sides, sources told Geo News on Sunday. Rizwan will represent Peshawar in the first-class domestic tournament, while Imam will turn out for Multan.
The move continues a busy domestic return for two experienced internationals who spent much of the early season on the sidelines before featuring in the President’s Trophy Grade-I 2026-27.
Quaid-e-Azam Trophy first round
The first round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Grade-I is scheduled to commence on 3 November, according to Geo News sources, with both players expected to strengthen their respective teams. The Trophy is Pakistan’s leading first-class tournament, and regional sides rely on senior internationals to steady young dressing rooms and set standards with the bat.
Rizwan’s availability boosts Peshawar, where he has led from the front in past domestic seasons, while Imam gives Multan a proven opener. For both men, the tournament is a chance to bank long innings in red-ball cricket after a disrupted few months.
The pair’s return to regional cricket follows their President’s Trophy appearances, where they captained departmental sides. That run of games matters: it gave both players competitive time in the middle after weeks away from first-class cricket.
Return through the President’s Trophy
Rizwan captained Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Imam led Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in the President’s Trophy, which began on 12 September. Both players missed the opening six rounds after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially withheld permission for them to take part.
The PCB eventually granted both players permission to resume domestic cricket ahead of the seventh and final round. Imam received clearance to represent OGDCL against Ghani Glass, while Rizwan was allowed to feature for SNGPL against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL).
Both made their return count. Imam struck an unbeaten 118 for OGDCL against Ghani Glass, while Rizwan scored 64 for SNGPL against KRL, according to match reports. Those innings, made under scrutiny, showed both players still have the appetite for long stays at the crease. Reports from Cricinfo had already indicated that Rizwan would represent Peshawar in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, and the latest Geo News report confirms both players’ regional plans.
The investigation in the background
Their absence from the early President’s Trophy rounds came amid an inquiry by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), reportedly concerning allegations of involvement in online betting and gambling activities, as well as an inquiry into alleged leaks of dressing-room information during Pakistan’s tour of England. Their participation was also linked at first to concerns over mandatory pre-season fitness assessments and the submission of fitness reports within the deadline.
Reports have said Rizwan was summoned twice by the NCCIA after returning to Pakistan following the Lord’s Test in August, and that Imam’s mobile phone remains in the agency’s custody. As of late October reports, no charges had been filed and no disciplinary findings had been announced against either player. The allegations remain allegations, and no conclusion should be drawn before the process is complete.
Both players were also among those released from Pakistan’s Test squad after the heavy defeat to England in the second Test at Lord’s. Imam had sustained a low-grade calf strain while fielding on the opening day of that Test.
Why the Trophy stint matters
Which teams will Rizwan and Imam play for?
Rizwan will represent Peshawar and Imam will turn out for Multan in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Grade-I, according to sources quoted by Geo News.
When does the first round start?
The first round is scheduled to commence on 3 November, with both players expected to feature for their regional sides.
Why did they miss the early President’s Trophy rounds?
The PCB initially withheld permission for both players to take part. Reports linked the delay to fitness report deadlines and an ongoing NCCIA inquiry, and clearance came only ahead of the final round.
Have any charges been filed against either player?
As of late October reports, no charges had been filed and no disciplinary findings had been announced against either player.
What is the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy?
It is Pakistan’s premier first-class domestic tournament, contested by regional teams, and a key route for players seeking Test selection.
