Foundation
In August 2003, with the support of FIFA under their ‘Goal Project’ to build new training facilities and offices for the PFF at the headquarters in Lahore, and new management within the Pakistan Football Federation, Pakistan restructured the national football system. The National Football Championship was replaced in 2004 by the national football league, called the National Division A Football League. This contained 16 teams from around Pakistan, the first time Pakistan had a national league.
A second division was also created, formally known as National League Division B Football League before being named the PFF National League. This initially contained 5 teams but now has expanded to 12 teams. The two bottom teams from the A league would to be relegated to the PFF league, while the top 2 teams in the PFF league would be promoted in their place.
WAPDA F.C. were the first national league winners, pushing Pakistan Army F.C. in second place.
Because of funding problems, relegation and promotion was an issue, as was the teams continued participation. This led to further changes in Pakistani football. The following year, after more reconstruction of the national game, the National Division A, was renamed the Pakistan Premier League. The Pakistan Premier League became a 12 club league, with the bottom two being relegated. In the 2005/06 season, football was played over the winter months instead of the summer.
In 2007/08 the league expanded to 14 teams. Fixtures were now held at 1:00 and 3:00 pm respectively on home and away basis. Then for the 2010/2011 season the league was set to 16 teams.
Read more about this topic: Pakistan Premier League, History
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