Former Pakistan cricket captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been officially appointed as a mentor for one of the teams in the upcoming Champions Cup, adding his extensive experience to the tournament’s coaching lineup. Alongside Sarfaraz, veteran cricketers Saqlain Mushtaq, Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Malik will also serve as mentors, bringing a wealth of cricketing knowledge to the teams they will guide.
These seasoned cricketers have been recruited on three-year contracts, following a transparent and rigorous selection process. Their involvement is set to play a crucial role in the development of emerging talent within Pakistan’s cricketing landscape.
The names of the five teams and their respective squads are yet to be announced but will be revealed in due course. The mentors’ first assignment under the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Domestic Cricket Season 2024-25 will be the Champions One-Day Cup, scheduled to take place at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from September 12 to 29. This tournament will mark the return of men’s senior competitive cricket to Faisalabad after nearly two years, with the last 50-over domestic match held there in March 2022 between Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment of these cricketing legends as mentors, highlighting their potential to significantly contribute to the growth and development of the next generation of cricketers in Pakistan. “These individuals bring a wealth of cricketing experience, knowledge, and expertise, which, combined with their passion for the game we all love, will help the Pakistan Cricket Board identify, develop, and nurture the next generation of cricketers across all formats,” Naqvi stated.
He emphasized that the initiative is not only beneficial for the national team but also instrumental in bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket. The mentors will guide strategic planning, team-building processes, and provide leadership and personal development support, playing a pivotal role in the progression of emerging cricketers.
The PCB remains committed to strengthening Pakistan’s cricket through a robust domestic structure, offering a clear and competitive pathway for cricketers to advance and represent the country at the highest levels. The involvement of these cricketing legends as mentors is seen as a significant step towards achieving this goal.
