The Pentangular Trophy was first contested in 1973–74. From 1977 to 1978 through to 1979–80 it was known as the
BCCP Invitation Tournament. Between 1980–81 and 1986–87, with the exception of 1983–84 when it was not held, it was called the
PACO Cup under the sponsorship of the
Pakistan Automobile Corporation. After 1983–84, it was only held three times, in 1990–91, 1994–95 and 1995–96, until it was revived in 2005–06. In 2007–08 it became a five-team regional tournament and was then held every season until 2011–12, after which it again went into abeyance. ==Format==