Waqar, Misbah among five mentors named by PCB for domestic competitions

In less than a month after becoming the advisor to the PCB chairman on cricket affairs, Waqar Younis’ stint has concluded. The former pace bowler and coach has now been offered a new role. Waqar has been appointed as a mentor for one of the five teams in the new domestic competitions the PCB is bringing in this season. 

Waqar is accompanied by Misbah ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Shoaib Malik and Sarfaraz Ahmed as mentors, whose first assignments will be the Champions One Day Cup, due to begin on September 12 in Faisalabad. 

Waqar was slated to be the board’s cricket supremo, a role introduced to take the burden of cricketing decisions away from the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Waqar alongside Naqvi made an appearance at a press conference in the role. 

The PCB is yet to state a reason as to why Waqar is no longer in the role and is a mentor instead, which is a three-year contract in PCB’s words, the outcome of a "transparent and robust recruitment process".   It has been proposed that both parties via Waqar perhaps be better suited to a team-assembling role like this, with more active involvement in the development of a team. 

The role of the advisor to the chairman is still being advertised. 

Other mentors include the notable names of Misbhah ul Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik. Sarfaraz is the only playing mentor, with the PCB shedding light on whether Sarfaraz would continue his playing career. “I am pleased to welcome five exceptional champions as mentors for the Champions Cup teams," a statement attributed to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated. "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."

The first assignment for the mentors will be the Champions-One Day Cup which will be held in Faisalabad from September 12-September 29.