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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed five legends as mentors for the upcoming domestic Champions Cup.
On August 26, the PCB unveiled Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, and Waqar Younis as the mentors for the five teams that will compete in the Champions One-Day Cup, Champions T20 Cup, and Champions First-Class Cup over the next three years.
While these names certainly carry weight in the cricketing world, the announcement has sparked quite a debate among fans and critics alike.
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Dual Roles: Mentor and Player?
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of this new setup is the dual role that Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik will play. Both are still active cricketers, with Sarfaraz remaining available for national selection and Malik continuing his journey in various T20 leagues.
They’ll be expected to mentor their respective teams while also competing as players. This unusual arrangement has left many scratching their heads. How will they balance these roles?
Will their performance as players affect their ability to mentor effectively? The confusion surrounding these dual roles has sparked a wave of criticism, with some questioning the wisdom of the PCB’s decision.
The Salaries Of Mentors?
Another sticking point is the financial commitment involved. Each mentor has been handed a three-year contract worth 15 million rupees, with 5 million paid annually. Critics have labeled this as a potential waste of resources, especially in a cricketing economy that is already under strain.
The hefty salary for what seems like a part-time gig has raised eyebrows, particularly when you consider that some of these mentors will have minimal involvement during certain parts of the season.
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The Silver Lining
Despite the criticism, there’s also cautious optimism surrounding this initiative. These mentors bring a wealth of experience and knowledge that could be invaluable in developing the next generation of Pakistani cricketers.
The PCB is particularly hopeful about Saqlain Mushtaq’s role, given the current shortage of quality spinners in the country. His involvement could be a game-changer in addressing this gap, potentially unearthing the next big spin talent for Pakistan.
Waqar Younis, who recently stepped down from his advisory role to the PCB chairman, is another interesting addition. His decision to take up a mentoring position was reportedly influenced by the flexibility and attractive pay package that comes with it.
The Bigger Picture: Success or Failure?
The Champions Cup is set to kick off with the Champions One-Day Cup at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium from September 12 to 29. This will be the first test of whether the PCB’s mentorship experiment can bear fruit.
With each team also backed by a 10-member support staff, including a head coach, assistant coach, and manager, the infrastructure is certainly in place for success.
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