ISLAMABAD, Aug 30: Karachi and Lahore will field two teams each in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy - the country's premier domestic cricket competition - starting across the country later next month.

The 11 participating teams will be from nine regions while the Trophy final would be played on a neutral ground between the two top teams in the league. There would be no promotion/relegation in the QAT as the Championship would represent the entire country with weaker teams expected to build up their strength over the years.

Efforts are being made for TV coverage of the tournament besides sponsorship at the international and regional levels, it was officially learnt. The region-based Quaid-i-Azam Trophy will be followed by departmental competition (Patron's Trophy) which will feature eight teams. Unlike QAT, promotion/relegation would take place in the Patrons' Trophy. -APP