Champions Cup Mentors Salaries Revealed: Big Names, Big Salaries

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the salaries for the mentors of the upcoming Champions Cup 2024. The five mentors, who will be guiding the teams throughout the tournament, are Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, and Waqar Younis. These mentors bring a wealth of experience and expertise, aiming to strengthen Pakistan’s cricket talent and prepare them for future international competitions.

On August 5, the PCB introduced three new tournaments to be a part of Pakistan’s domestic season 2024-25: the Champions One-Day Cup, the Champions T20 Cup, and the Champions First-Class Cup. These new tournaments will complement the existing domestic cricket competitions, such as the National T20 Cup, Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, President’s Trophy, President’s Cup, and the HBL Pakistan Super League 2025.

Champions Cup Mentors Salaries

The salaries for the mentors in the Champions Cup 2024 have been officially disclosed. Each of the five mentors will receive an annual salary of 5 million Pakistani rupees. Since these mentors are contracted for three years, their total earnings will amount to 15 million Pakistani rupees each over the contract period. This significant investment highlights the PCB’s commitment to nurturing and developing local talent through experienced mentorship.

Role and Importance of the Mentors

The primary responsibility of these mentors is to identify and nurture emerging cricket talent in Pakistan. By leveraging their extensive cricketing backgrounds, they aim to enhance the skills and abilities of the players, thereby building a strong bench for the national team. Each mentor will bring their unique expertise to the table:

1. Misbah-ul-Haq: Known for his calm demeanor and strategic acumen, Misbah will focus on leadership development and batting strategy. His experience as a former captain is invaluable in helping young players understand the importance of game management and decision-making under pressure.
2. Saqlain Mushtaq: As Pakistan faces a shortage of quality spinners, Saqlain’s role will be crucial. His deep understanding of spin bowling and his ability to innovate with different bowling techniques will be instrumental in developing future spin talents.
3. Sarfaraz Ahmed: The only active international cricketer among the mentors, Sarfaraz will bring a contemporary perspective to the table. His involvement ensures that the mentoring process remains aligned with the current trends and demands of international cricket.
4. Shoaib Malik: Despite not officially retiring, Shoaib Malik continues to play in various leagues. His vast experience in T20 cricket will be particularly valuable, providing insights into the fast-paced nature of the shorter formats and the nuances of limited-overs cricket.
5. Waqar Younis: After stepping down from his advisory role to the chairman, Waqar joins the Champions Cup as a mentor. Known for his expertise in fast bowling, Waqar’s focus will be on developing Pakistan’s pace attack, teaching young bowlers the art of speed, reverse swing, and handling high-pressure situations.

Coaching Staff Composition

Each team in the Champions Cup will be supported by a 10-member coaching staff, which will include a head coach, assistant coach, manager, physio, and other essential personnel. This comprehensive support system is designed to provide holistic development for the players, covering all aspects of the game.

Waqar Younis’s Transition to Mentorship

Waqar Younis, who was recently appointed as an advisor to the PCB chairman, has opted to take up the role of a mentor in the Champions Cup. Sources reveal that the flexibility of working hours and the attractive salary offered for the mentoring role were key factors in his decision. The mentoring position allows Waqar to utilize his vast experience and knowledge without the constraints of a traditional office role.

Addressing the Need for Quality Spinners

One of the key challenges facing Pakistan cricket is the lack of world-class spinners. This deficiency was a significant reason behind Saqlain Mushtaq’s appointment as a mentor. With his vast experience in spin bowling, Saqlain is expected to focus on developing spinners who can make an impact on the international stage. The PCB is optimistic that his involvement will lead to the discovery and nurturing of quality spin talent.

Challenges Facing Pakistan Cricket

Pakistan cricket has faced several challenges recently, including a disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where the team failed to progress beyond the group stages after a surprising defeat to the USA. Additionally, the national team’s recent loss in a Test match to Bangladesh has raised concerns about the overall form and competitiveness of Pakistani cricket.

The introduction of experienced mentors like Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, and Waqar Younis under three-year contracts is a strategic move to address these challenges. Their role in nurturing the next generation of cricketing talent is crucial for the future success of Pakistan cricket.

The Champions One day Cup 2024-25

The Champions One-Day Cup will kick off at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from September 12 to 29, featuring the top 150 cricketers in the country. The tournament will follow a single-league format, with matches starting at 3 PM, except for the morning match on September 16 between Lions and Panthers, which will begin at 9:30 AM. The final will be held on Sunday, September 29, following three days of playoffs.

With the announcement of mentors and their roles, the Champions Cup 2024 promises to be an exciting and highly competitive tournament, showcasing the best of Pakistan cricket and setting the stage for future success.