Sarfaraz Ahmed Joins Champions Cup as Mentor, Alongside Cricket Legends
Sarfaraz Ahmed, the former captain of Pakistan’s national cricket team, has been officially named as a mentor for one of the teams in the highly anticipated Champions Cup. His appointment is part of a broader initiative that includes several other veteran cricketers, each taking on mentoring roles for different teams in the tournament.
Joining Ahmed in this mentorship role are cricketing stalwarts such as Saqlain Mushtaq, Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Malik. Each of these cricket legends has been secured for three-year contracts following a thorough and transparent recruitment process. Their collective experience and insight are expected to significantly enhance the tournament’s competitive edge.
Details regarding the five teams participating and their specific squads are still under wraps and will be announced in due course. The first major challenge for these mentors will be overseeing the Champions One-Day Cup, a key fixture in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Domestic Cricket Season for 2024-25. This tournament will be held at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium from September 12 to 29.
The Champions One-Day Cup promises to showcase some of the best cricketing talent from across Pakistan. It also marks a significant moment for Faisalabad, as it welcomes back top-level men’s cricket after nearly two years. The last domestic 50-over match at Iqbal Stadium was played in March 2022, featuring Balochistan versus Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his enthusiasm about the new mentoring program, stating, “I am thrilled to welcome five exceptional champions as mentors for the Champions Cup teams. These individuals bring a wealth of cricketing experience, knowledge, and expertise. Their passion for the game and their substantial experience will play a crucial role in helping the PCB identify, develop, and nurture the next generation of cricketers across all formats.”
Naqvi emphasized that the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket, stating, “These mentors will be instrumental in guiding strategic planning and team-building processes. They will also offer invaluable support in leadership and personal development.”
He further highlighted the PCB’s commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s cricketing landscape through a strong domestic structure. “The goal is to create a clear and competitive pathway for all cricketers. Our focus is on developing the most talented and skilled players, enabling them to progress through the ranks and represent Pakistan at the highest level.”
With these legends in mentoring roles, the Champions Cup is set to be a landmark event in Pakistan’s cricketing calendar, combining experienced guidance with fresh talent in an exciting competition.
