Former Pakistan cricket legend Saqlain Mushtaq has been appointed as the mentor for the Panthers in the upcoming Champions One-Day Cup, set to take place at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from September 12 to 29. This prestigious tournament will showcase the country’s top cricketing talent, featuring 150 of the best players competing in a 50-over format.
A Strategic Role for Saqlain Mushtaq
Saqlain, known for his exceptional skills as a spinner, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “Preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begin with the Champions One-Day Cup, and I am thrilled to play a key role as a mentor for the Panthers, a team featuring some of the finest talent in the country.” His primary objective is to enhance the players’ performance and push them to reach their maximum potential, ensuring they are well-prepared to defend their title.
He emphasized the importance of the Champions One-Day Cup, describing it as a critical stepping stone for young talent and a cornerstone of Pakistan cricket’s future. “The path to the Champions Journey starts with age-group cricket and progresses through district and division levels, ultimately reaching regional and departmental cricket, with the Champions Cup as the final proving ground before achieving national selection,” he added.
Tournament Structure and Schedule
The Champions One-Day Cup will follow a single-league format, with the Panthers opening their campaign against Misbah-ul-Haq’s Wolves on September 12. The tournament will feature matches against various teams, including Dolphins and Stallions, with the final scheduled for September 29. Notably, all matches, except for the September 16 fixture between Lions and Panthers, will commence at 3 PM.
This year’s tournament will not only spotlight established players but also provide a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills. The Panthers have been allocated the Inzamam-ul-Haq Cricket Academy in Multan for training and preparation during the 2024-25 domestic cricket season.
Strengthening Pakistan Cricket’s Future
Saqlain’s appointment comes amid a broader initiative to enhance the quality of cricket in Pakistan. Alongside him, other renowned figures such as Shoaib Malik, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Waqar Younis have been appointed as mentors for the Stallions, Wolves, and Lions, respectively. This collaborative effort aims to create a robust environment for player development and performance enhancement.
Saqlain emphasized the need for collective support from players, fans, and stakeholders to ensure the success of the Champions One-Day Cup. “I urge players, fans, and all stakeholders to fully support this year’s Champions One-Day Cup. Together, we can ensure its success, laying a strong foundation for the bright and robust future of Pakistan cricket,” he stated.
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