Pakistan Cricket Board Appoints Champions Cup Mentors

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed five prominent figures from Pakistan cricket—Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, and Waqar Younis—as mentors for the upcoming Champions Cup tournament, with three-year contracts secured following a rigorous selection process. Their first task will be to guide teams in the Champions One-Day Cup, scheduled from September 12-29 at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, marking the return of senior men's domestic cricket to the venue after nearly two years. PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi expressed optimism that the mentors' extensive experience will aid in nurturing the next generation of cricketers and bridging the gap between domestic and international levels. Notably, Waqar Younis recently transitioned from his role as advisor on cricket affairs to take on this mentoring position, although the PCB has not clarified the reasons for this shift. The PCB has mandated participation from all top players in the 50-over tournament, emphasizing its commitment to a robust domestic structure. This initiative aims to enhance player development and competitive pathways within Pakistan cricket.