In a major shake-up ahead of a critical phase for Pakistan cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to part ways with five high-profile mentors—Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Saqlain Mushtaq—just months after their much-publicized appointments to guide domestic teams in the Champions Cup.
Top ex-internationals dismissed despite three-year contracts
The five mentors, all former captains or head coaches, were brought on board in August 2024 with three-year contracts after what the PCB had described as a “competitive and transparent” selection process. The move was initially hailed as a long-term vision to strengthen Pakistan’s domestic cricket by leveraging the experience of its legendary players.
But less than a year later, the initiative has been abruptly scrapped.
According to insiders, the decision was made at the directive of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, signaling a clear shift in the board’s domestic cricket strategy. While no official announcement has been made, sources within the board confirm the decision has been finalized internally, and the mentors are expected to be formally informed in the coming days.
Malik resigned, others blindsided
Interestingly, Shoaib Malik had already resigned two weeks before the board’s decision, stepping down voluntarily. The remaining four mentors—Misbah, Waqar, Sarfaraz, and Saqlain—were reportedly caught off guard by the development.
Adding to the drama, a source familiar with internal discussions reportedly said to Telecom Asia sport: “Apparently, at the briefing, the consensus was that the money spent on the mentors was not being justified as they had not delivered anything of value until now.”
Financial concerns and performance questions
Reports indicate that each mentor was being paid a hefty salary of PKR 5 million per month. Though they were expected to spend a set number of days with their assigned domestic teams, they were also allowed to pursue other opportunities, including media work.
One specific point of contention was Shoaib Malik’s decision to play in the national T20 championship and captain Sialkot, instead of dedicating himself exclusively to his mentoring duties. This, sources say, irked PCB officials and further diminished confidence in the overall mentorship program.
Strategic reset ahead of major events
The move comes at a time when Pakistan cricket is navigating a crucial year filled with international assignments and structural changes within the PCB. The decision to cut ties with the mentors, despite their stature and prior commitments, reflects the board’s growing urgency to reassess what’s working—and what’s not—within its development systems.
While the PCB has yet to provide a public explanation, the silence itself underscores the sensitive nature of the reversal—one that abruptly ends what was positioned as a flagship domestic development initiative.
