Pakistan's packed domestic programme underway

Pakistan's domestic season kicks-off today, and no fewer than five tournaments will be taking place simultaneously in a packed schedule.

The jewel in the crown is the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which this year will continue throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Although there is a 20-day break in the competition at the end of October, there won't be any respite for the players as Pakistan's inaugural Twenty20 tournament will be held at this time. The competition is scheduled to take place in Lahore between November 4 and 11.

And whereas last season there were nine teams competing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, this has been increased to 11 with the decision to allow Karachi and Lahore each to field two sides. The top two teams will compete in the five-day final starting on January 2.

A day after the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy begins, the Pakistan Cricket Board inter-regional Level II and Under-19 limited-overs competitions start. On Wednesday, the three-day versions of both tournaments get under way.

There are 11 teams taking part in the Level II event, with Karachi and Lahore each providing two teams. Pool A is made up of six sides - Faisalabad, Karachi Blues, Lahore Blues, Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Sialkot - while Pool B has five - Hyderabad, Karachi Whites, Lahore Whites, Multan and Quetta.

The Under-19 event includes teams from Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, Rawalpindi, and Sialkot.