PCB reveals mentors for Champions Cup, Waqar Younis, Sarfaraz Ahmed feature in star-studded line-up

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the mentors for the upcoming Champions Cup 2024. The legends who have been appointed the mentors of the five teams are Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, and Waqar Younis.

The first assignment of these mentors in Pakistan's domestic season will be the Champions One-Day Cup. The tournament will take place at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad from September 12-29.

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PCB picks five Pakistan legends as the mentors for the Champions Cup

The mentors have been confirmed on a contract of three years after a clear and transparent process. It is believed that the top cricketers in Pakistan will participate in the tournament.

PCB unveils five Champions Cup team mentors! 🏆

Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik and Waqar Younis have been named as mentors for the Champions Cup. 🌟🏏

More details: https://t.co/A1QUqOgiKf#𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 pic.twitter.com/bvjaeMGvSk

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 26, 2024

It will also be the homecoming of men's senior competitive cricket in Faisalabad after a gap of two years. The previous domestic 50-over match in Faisalabad was played between Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in March 2022.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his pleasure in an official statement and announced the appointment of five legendary mentors. Naqvi believes that the move will help in reducing the gap between domestic and international cricket in Pakistan.

“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."

“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,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated.

The cricketing experience of five mentors

The five mentors in the Champions Cup have an experience of 1621 international matches between them. They have scored 32,780 runs between them and picked up have taken more than 1500 wickets.

Out of these players, Shoaib Malik and Sarfaraz Ahmed were a part of Pakistan's team that won the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. Malik and Sarfaraz have been the ICC event winners twice.

Shoaib Malik has already retired from international cricket while Sarfaraz Ahmed is still an active cricketer.

Out of all the five cricketers, Sarfaraz Ahmed is the only cricketer who is actively playing currently. Under Sarfaraz's leadership, Pakistan won the famous 2017 Champions Trophy.

Meanwhile, Misbah-ul-Haq is also a one-time ICC event winner as he was a part of Pakistan's team that lifted the T20 World Cup 2009. Misbah was Pakistan's captain for a long time during his career.

Pakistan cricket's current state

Other mentors Saqlain Mushtaq and Waqar Younis are two legends of Pakistan cricket. Saqlain Mushtaq is still regarded as one of the greatest spinners to have played the game.

On the other hand, Waqar Younis is one of the best fast bowlers ever to have played the game. Waqar was known for his ability to bowl lethal yorkers at a high pace and had the ability to reverse swing the ball as well.

Pakistan's cricket is going through a bad time currently. The national team bowed out of the group stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Recently, they even suffered a shocking defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test at Rawalpindi.