In a major shift in Pakistan’s domestic cricket strategy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has internally decided to dissolve its five-member mentorship panel, according to reliable sources. The panel, which included iconic names like Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shoaib Malik, is set to be disbanded under new directives from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The decision, although not formally announced, has reportedly received top-level approval within the board. Sources confirm that the mentors will be officially informed in the coming days, except for Shoaib Malik, who had voluntarily stepped down two weeks earlier and announced his resignation on Instagram.
End of a Short-Lived Vision
The mentorship panel, launched on August 26, 2024, was part of a broader performance-oriented revamp of Pakistan’s domestic cricket. Each former cricketer was assigned to guide a regional team in the Champions Cup under a three-year contract, earning Rs 5 million per month.
Despite this investment, the initiative seems to have been quietly scrapped, with insiders suggesting that neither Misbah-ul-Haq nor Sarfaraz Ahmed are being considered for alternative roles within the PCB at this stage. The official reason behind the abrupt decision remains undisclosed.
Major Overhaul Underway
This development aligns with a broader restructuring effort within the PCB. On the same day, Mike Hesson was appointed as the head coach of the Pakistan national team, and Aqib Javed took over as Director of the High-Performance Centre.
The move signals the PCB’s intent to streamline its domestic and international operations ahead of a packed cricket calendar, which includes ICC tournaments, bilateral series, and preparation for the 2025 Champions Trophy hosted in Pakistan.
What’s Next?
With the mentorship model now shelved and key leadership roles being reassigned, the PCB appears to be pivoting toward a more centralized and modern cricketing structure. The fate of the former mentors remains uncertain, and fans await further clarity on the board’s evolving vision for domestic cricket development.
