LAHORE, March 25: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has instructed all Test players, including the entire World Cup squad, to feature in the Pentangular tournament, starting in Karachi from Wednesday.

PCB Chief Operating Officer (COO), Saleem Altaf, issued instructions to the domestic cricket controlling committee after distributing cash prizes among the players, winners and runners-up of the Patron's Trophy (four-day event) and Patron's Cup one-day tournament at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

Though the PCB had already announced all three teams of four provinces, a Test cricketer could be included at any time in any team. Besides, three provincial teams, two departments – Habib Bank and KRL – are set to participate in the Pentangular tournament.

Saleem said the inclusion of Test cricketers would make the Pentangular tournament more competitive, besides providing Test cricketers a standard event.

PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf, who had tendered his resignation which has not been accepted so far by the patron, had instructed the cricketers soon after assuming charge some five months ago to play at least four first-class domestic matches. But hardly any Test cricketer appeared in such matches.