5th Interloop Wheelchair Quaid-e-Azam Trophy to Begin on 11th Feb in Faisalabad
5th Interloop Wheelchair Quaid-e-Azam Trophy to Begin on 11th Feb in Faisalabad
FAISALABAD: The much-anticipated 5th Interloop Wheelchair Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2026 is scheduled to commence on February 11th in Faisalabad, marking a significant event for wheelchair cricket in Pakistan.
The tournament, organised under the aegis of the Pakistan Wheelchair Cricket Council (PWCC), is the country’s largest domestic competition for wheelchair cricketers and is expected to draw considerable attention to the sport.
Six teams from across Pakistan will vie for the coveted trophy. The participating provinces and regions include Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Gilgit-Baltistan, the reigning champions, will be looking to defend their title in what promises to be a keenly contested tournament.
The event will follow the Twenty20 (T20) format, bringing together a blend of national and international wheelchair cricketers. Organisers have emphasised a commitment to fostering new talent, with numerous young players being afforded the opportunity to showcase their skills on a national platform. This focus on youth development aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the sport at the grassroots level.
Officials from the PWCC underscored the importance of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy for the overall promotion and growth of wheelchair cricket within Pakistan.
The tournament is seen as a crucial preparatory stage, particularly in light of Pakistan’s upcoming hosting duties for the 3rd T20 Asia Cup. Matches for the continental tournament are slated to be held in Karachi and Hyderabad, further highlighting Pakistan’s increasing role in international wheelchair cricket.
A total of ten matches are scheduled throughout the trophy. The grand final, a day-and-night fixture, will be played on February 15th at the Bohran Wali Ground in Faisalabad.
Preceding the tournament, a trophy unveiling ceremony is planned for February 10th at a local hotel in Faisalabad. The event is expected to be well-attended by participating players, various dignitaries, and both former and current cricketers, celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and inclusion that the tournament embodies.
