The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is undertaking a major restructuring of its performance and coaching operations, removing all Champions Cup mentors from their posts — including big names like Waqar Younis, Shoaib Malik, Saqlain Mushtaq, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Sarfaraz Ahmed — while preparing to install Misbah and Sarfaraz in influential new positions within the board.
According to GeoSuper sources, the decision followed a performance review chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. While all mentors have officially been dismissed, insiders confirm Misbah and Sarfaraz are expected to continue with the PCB in “important new capacities,” with formal announcements to follow shortly.
No rush on red-ball coach as Misbah considered for the role
As part of broader strategic preparations, the PCB is finalizing plans for the upcoming Test series — though the board is reportedly taking its time in naming a head coach for red-ball cricket. Multiple candidates are under evaluation, and Misbah-ul-Haq is said to be among those being considered.
Aaqib Javed leads high-performance roadmap across age groups
In a major development on the player development front, Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed has submitted a wide-ranging strategic plan covering Pakistan’s national side, the Shaheens, emerging cricketers, and youth categories. The plan is currently awaiting final approval.
A key part of this revamp is the rollout of age-group training programs across Pakistan. Sialkot will launch grassroots initiatives for the Under-13 and Under-15 levels, while Faisalabad will host long-term development programs focused on Under-17 players. Multan is set to become the central hub for Pakistan’s Under-19 cricketers.
Karachi, meanwhile, will see the establishment of a dedicated high-performance center for women’s cricket — part of a broader push by the PCB to improve structures across both men’s and women’s games.
NCA Lahore to become high-performance epicenter
As part of the infrastructural overhaul, the PCB plans to relocate its biomechanics lab — currently housed at a local university — to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore. The new facility will be equipped with advanced training tools and performance analysis software to help elevate player development and injury management.
In parallel, the PCB is preparing to activate High Performance Centers in Faisalabad and Sialkot to support the decentralized training model.
30-35 elite players selected for intensive NCA training
To deepen the national team’s bench strength, a core group of 30 to 35 players will undergo intensive high-performance training at the NCA. This initiative is aimed at building a more competitive pipeline for Pakistan cricket across all formats.
