Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on August 26 announced five mentors for the teams in the new domestic Champions Cup. Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik and Waqar Younis have been given three-year contracts. The names of the sides and squads are yet to be announced.
Two of the mentors are current players. ICC Champions Trophy 2017-winning captain Sarfaraz is in the current Test squad for the two-Test series against Bangladesh. Sarfaraz did not make into the playing XI for the first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium as Mohammad Rizwan was the first choice for wicketkeeper-batter. Also, Agha Salman was chosen for his exploits with bat and ball.
The other current player who is among the list of five mentors is Shoaib Malik. However, Malik is unlikely to be recalled to play for the national sides. Meanwhile, Younis' stint as advisor to PCB chairman ended in just three weeks.
PCB Chief’s statement on appointment of five mentors
“I am pleased to welcome five exceptional champions as mentors for the Champions Cup teams. 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. This initiative will not only benefit the Pakistan men's cricket team but also help bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket,” PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in a statement.
“These five mentors will play a pivotal role in the development and progression of our emerging cricketers. They will guide strategic planning and team-building processes, while also providing support in leadership and personal development.
“The PCB is committed to strengthening Pakistan's cricket through a robust domestic structure that offers a clear and competitive pathway for all cricketers. The most talented and skilled players will advance through the ranks to represent Pakistan at the highest level.”
The first season of the Champions One-Day Cup will be played at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. The tournament will begin on September 12 and will end on September 29. PCB has made it mandatory for prominent players to participate in the One-Day competition.
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