Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the prize money for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (QEAT) 2025-26 ahead of the much-anticipated final between Karachi Blues and defending champions Sialkot. The title showdown will take place from 1 to 4 December at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

According to the PCB, the winning team will pocket Rs 7.5 million, while the runners-up will receive Rs 4 million. Individual accolades have also been highlighted: the Player of the Final will earn PKR 100,000, and the best bowler, batter, wicket-keeper, and player of the tournament will each receive PKR 250,000.

Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to expert commentary from Raja Asad, Salman Butt, and Tariq Saeed during the final. The tournament will be broadcasted on PTV Sports for viewers in Pakistan and abroad, with live streaming available on Tapmad.

Sialkot, the reigning champions, will aim to add to their previous titles from 2005-06, 2008-09, and 2024-25. Karachi Blues, meanwhile, hold the record for the most titles in the country’s premier first-class competition, having won the trophy nine times since the 1961-62 season. The last time these two teams met in a final was 2012-13, where Karachi Blues defeated Sialkot by nine wickets.

Squads:

Sialkot: Usama Mir (c), Mohsin Riaz (vc), Abdul Rehman, Abdullah Shafique, Afzaal Manzoor (wk), Athar Mehmood, Azan Awais, Hamza Nazar, Hasnain Khan, Hasan Ali, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Waleed.

Karachi Blues: Suad Shakeel (c), Abdullah Fazal, Danish Aziz, Haroon Arshad, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Asghar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Muhammad Hamza, Muhammad Umar, Mushtaq Ahmed, Ramiz Aziz, Saad Baig (wk), Saqib Khan, Shan Masood, Usman Khan.

Fans are eagerly awaiting a thrilling final as two of Pakistan’s strongest first-class sides clash for the prestigious trophy.