On Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the appointment of five cricket legends as mentors for the Champions Cup team.
The mentors, who have each signed three-year contracts, are Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, and Waqar Younis. The PCB emphasized that the selection process for these roles was both transparent and rigorous.
Their first significant responsibility will be to oversee the Champions One-Day Cup during the PCB Domestic Cricket Season 2024-25, scheduled to be held at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from September 12 to 29. This tournament will mark the return of high-level men’s cricket to Faisalabad after nearly two years, with the last domestic 50-over match at this venue taking place in March 2022.
The five mentors collectively bring a wealth of experience, having participated in 1,621 international matches, scored 32,780 runs, and taken 1,503 wickets. Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik are two-time ICC Event champions, Misbah-ul-Haq has won an ICC Event and the ACC Asia Cup 2012 as captain, while Saqlain Mushtaq and Waqar Younis were part of the team that reached the 1999 World Cup final.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed enthusiasm about having these esteemed cricketers on board, noting their extensive experience, knowledge, and passion for the game. He believes their involvement will significantly aid the PCB in developing and nurturing the next generation of cricketers, bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket.
The mentors will play a crucial role in guiding strategic planning, team-building, and personal development, strengthening the domestic cricket structure and providing a clear pathway for talented players to advance to the national team.
