The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has assigned key roles to the mentors of the recently concluded Champions One-Day Cup, focusing on player development across the country.
As part of its broader strategy to strengthen domestic cricket and nurture emerging talent, the PCB has tasked these experienced mentors with overseeing activities at various high-performance centres in key cities.
According to a PCB insider, former Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed to head the Karachi high-performance academy, while veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik will oversee operations at the Sialkot academy. Legendary fast bowler Waqar Younis will take charge at the Lahore academy.
In southern Punjab, Saqlain Mushtaq has been assigned to the Multan academy. Meanwhile, former Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq will guide the high-performance centre in Faisalabad.
These appointments are seen as part of the PCB’s long-term vision to ensure that former national players contribute to the domestic system by mentoring younger generations. The mentors, who were hired on lucrative contracts before the tournament, are expected to play a crucial role in elevating the standard of cricket at the grassroots level.
“The mentors have been assigned to these high-performance centres not just for the duration of tournaments but as a year-round commitment,” a PCB official revealed. “They will be involved in a wide range of cricketing activities, including training camps, talent identification, and providing their expertise to upcoming players.”
The PCB announcement comes on the heels of the Champions One-Day Cup, a major domestic event that saw Shadab Khan’s Panthers claim the inaugural title. The Panthers triumphed over the Markhors in a five-wicket victory in the final held at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.