Cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed five mentors for the upcoming Champions Cup, a series of domestic tournaments aimed at bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket. The mentors, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saqlain Mushtaq, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Malik, will provide guidance and support to the players, helping them develop their skills and prepare for the rigors of international cricket.Misbah-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan captain and coach, believes that the key to success lies in maximizing a player's potential. He emphasizes the importance of assessing a player's fitness, technical abilities, and potential without preconceived notions. By doing so, the mentors can identify the specific roles that each player can fulfill within the team.The mentors' vision is to reduce the gap between domestic and international cricket. They aim to prepare players to adjust to the higher level of competition and performance required at the international stage. This requires hard work and dedication from both the mentors and the players.The mentor roles have come under scrutiny due to the high salaries involved. Each mentor is reportedly earning around PKR 5 million (approx. USD 18,000) per month on three-year contracts. These salaries have raised eyebrows, as they exceed the earnings of all but the most elite Pakistani cricketers.The PCB has not yet announced a tangible commercial inflow for the Champions Cup or a broadcaster. It has advertised for team partners/sponsors but has not disclosed any agreements. The total cost of the mentor salaries alone is estimated to be half of the PCB's entire broadcast deal for bilateral international cricket at home over the next 30 months.Despite the concerns, the PCB maintains that the investment in mentors is necessary to improve Pakistan cricket. The organization believes that the mentors' expertise and guidance will help develop a stronger and more competitive national team.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken an innovative approach to talent identification by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into its player selection process. This move marks a significant shift in the way cricket boards approach player recruitment and development.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed that 80% of the 150 players selected for the upcoming Champions Cup will be chosen using AI, while the remaining 20% will be selected by the human selection committee. This decision stems from the board's recognition of the need to address the underperformance of the national team, particularly in the wake of recent defeats.Naqvi emphasized the importance of having a robust player pool to draw from, which has been lacking in the past. The Champions Cup will provide a platform for identifying and evaluating potential talent, creating a comprehensive database of player records.The use of AI in player selection is expected to enhance transparency and objectivity in the process. By relying on data-driven insights, the board aims to minimize the influence of personal biases and ensure that players are selected based on their performance and potential.Naqvi stressed that the selection committee will not hesitate to replace underperforming players with better options. The Champions Cup will provide a continuous stream of data, allowing the board to monitor player performance and make informed decisions.This innovative approach to player selection is a testament to the PCB's commitment to improving the performance of the national team. By embracing technology and data analytics, the board is setting a precedent for other cricket boards to follow.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed concern over the lack of depth in the national team, highlighting the absence of a robust feeder system to replace underperforming players.Naqvi's comments come after Pakistan's historic Test defeat to Bangladesh, a result that has raised questions about the team's overall strength. He acknowledged that the selection committee faces a shortage of viable options to replace struggling players."The problem is the selection committee has no pool to turn to from which to select players," Naqvi said. "We need to fix our problems, but we don't have any solid data or player pool to draw from."Naqvi believes that the newly created Champions Cup, a domestic one-day tournament, will provide a platform to identify and develop talented players. He emphasized the importance of data and records in making informed selection decisions."This Cup will make domestic cricket strong, we'll have a pool of 150 players, and then the selection committee will do the necessary surgery," Naqvi said. "We can't dump someone unless we have a better one to replace them."Naqvi also defended the selection committee's decision not to play a frontline spinner in the Rawalpindi Test against Bangladesh, stating that it was a tactical choice made by the captain, coach, and team management.However, Naqvi acknowledged the need for systemic improvements in the domestic structure, which has been plagued by neglect and frequent changes. He emphasized the importance of developing a sustainable pipeline of talented players to ensure the long-term success of the national team.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed five legendary cricketers as mentors for teams participating in the Champions Cup domestic tournament. Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, and Waqar Younis will guide the teams for the next three years.The appointment of these mentors is part of the PCB's efforts to enhance the quality of domestic cricket and provide guidance to young players. The mentors will share their vast experience and expertise with the teams, helping them develop their skills and strategies.Waqar Younis, a former Pakistan captain and coach, recently served as the PCB's advisor on cricket affairs. Saqlain Mushtaq, a former head coach of the national team, is renowned for his innovative bowling techniques. Misbah-ul-Haq, another former Pakistan captain, has also had coaching stints with the national team.The mentors' first assignment will be the Champions One-Day Cup, scheduled to be held in Faisalabad from September 12-29. The PCB has made it mandatory for all top players to participate in this 50-overs competition.The PCB believes that the appointment of these mentors will significantly contribute to the development of domestic cricket in Pakistan. The mentors will provide valuable insights and guidance to the players, helping them reach their full potential.