After a spirited run in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy 2025, the Karachi Blues are set to feature in the upcoming Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier first-class competition, with renewed confidence and a balanced squad.

The Blues finished second in their group in the recently concluded Hanif Mohammad Trophy, amassing 96 points with three wins, one loss, and a draw. Their consistent performances with both bat and ball earned them qualification for the top-tier event following the PCB’s decision to expand the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy to 10 teams this season.

Under the guidance of head coach Iqbal Imam and captain Saud Shakeel, the Blues showcased a blend of experience and emerging talent throughout the Hanif Mohammad Trophy. Their campaign was highlighted by a thumping win over Rawalpindi, where left-arm spinner Mohammad Asghar produced a sensational 14-wicket match haul (6/68 and 8/117) to seal Karachi’s qualification.

All-rounder Rameez Aziz led from the front with the bat, finishing as the team’s top run-getter with 376 runs in five matches, while opener Omair Bin Yousuf and Abdullah Fazal consistently provided solid starts at the top.

With Mir Hamza leading the pace attack, ably supported by Mohammad Umar, and Fahad Amin stepping up impressively in Hamza’s absence, the Blues found the perfect bowling balance.

Karachi Blues’ 16-member squad for the upcoming Quaid-e-Azam Trophy blends youth and experience. Seasoned campaigners like Danish Aziz, Rameez Aziz, and Mir Hamza bring proven first-class pedigree, while exciting young talents such as SaimAyub and SaadBaig add flair and future promise.

The middle order looks solid with the likes of Omair Bin Yousuf and Rameez Aziz, while Haroon Arshad and Danish Aziz offer all-round balance. Behind the stumps, Karachi have two wicket keeping options — Saad Baig and Ghazi Ghori — providing tactical depth.

Left-arm spinner Mohammad Asghar remains the key weapon in spin-friendly conditions, and pacers Mir Hamza, Mohammad Umar, and Fahad Amin will shoulder the pace responsibilities across long spells.

Players to Watch:

Mohammad Asghar: Coming off a career-best 14-wicket performance, Asghar will be crucial in Karachi’s bowling plans.

Rameez Aziz: The team’s most dependable run-scorer last season, his consistency will be central to Karachi’s batting.

Mir Hamza: The experienced seamer’s control and new-ball movement make him a threat in all conditions.

SaimAyub: The flamboyant left-hander will look to translate his white-ball promise into longer-format consistency.

Danish Aziz: Provides vital middle-order stability and a handy left-arm spin option.

The Blues begin their campaign against Faisalabad in Islamabad from October 6–9, followed by key fixtures against Multan (Oct 12–15) and FATA (Oct 18–21). The extended format will test Karachi’s depth and endurance, with the Grand Final scheduled for November 29–December 3.

Karachi Blues Squad for Quaid-e-Azam Trophy:

Abdullah Fazal, Saim Ayub, Saad Baig (wk), Omair Bin Yousuf, Rameez Aziz (Captain), Haroon Arshad, Danish Aziz, Ghazi Ghori (WK), Muhammad Asghar, Mir Hamza,  Fahad Amin, Saqib Khan, Muhammad Umar, Mushtaq Ahmed Kalhoro, and Usman Khan.

Schedule

Karachi v Faislabad – Oct 6-9 in Islamabad

Karachi v Multan – Oct 12-15 in Islamabad

Karachi v FATA – Oct 18-21 in Peshawar

Karachi v Lahore – Oct 24-27 in Abbottabad

Karachi v Bahawalpur – Oct 30-Nov 02 in Peshawar

Karachi v Peshawar – Nov 05-08 in Islamabad

Karachi v Abbottabad – Nov 11-14 in Rawalpindi

Karachi v Islamabad – Nov 17-20 in Islamabad

Karachi v Sialkot – Nov 23-26 in Rawalpindi

Grand Final

29 November – December 03