Pakistan cricket continues to see major shifts in its coaching and mentorship lineup. Following all-rounder Shoaib Malik’s recent departure, two more prominent figures, Saqlain Mushtaq and Waqar Younis, have also parted ways with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
More Mentors Exit the National Setup
Saqlain Mushtaq, the former head coach and legendary off-spinner, along with former fast bowling great and coach Waqar Younis, are no longer part of the PCB’s mentorship structure. Their exit follows Shoaib Malik’s earlier decision to step down from his advisory role.
Meanwhile, ex-captains Sarfaraz Ahmed and Misbah-ul-Haq remain actively involved with the National Cricket Academy (NCA), playing a role in nurturing future talent for Pakistan cricket.
PCB Officials Unveil Domestic Structure Changes
In a joint press conference held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Director Domestic Cricket Abdullah Khurram Niazi and General Manager Domestic Junaid Zia shared key updates regarding the new domestic cricket system.
According to Abdullah, a 15-member committee held continuous discussions for two months to draft a comprehensive structure and schedule for Pakistan’s domestic season. The process included input from all regional cricket presidents, ensuring that the voices of all major stakeholders were heard.
Revamped Format: Quaid-e-Azam Trophy to Feature 8 Teams
One of the most significant updates is regarding the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The revamped format will now include 6 top-tier teams, with 2 additional teams qualifying from the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, making it an 8-team competition.
Despite this change, PCB officials claim that the domestic structure remains “largely unchanged,” maintaining the integrity of the previous format. However, critics argue that reducing 18 teams to 8 while dissolving the Champions Cup contradicts such statements.
Financial Boost: Central Contracts for Domestic Stars
In a promising development, Abdullah Khurram announced that from the upcoming season, top-performing domestic cricketers will be eligible for central contracts.
This move aims to:
Strengthen grassroots cricket
Motivate players at the domestic level
Provide financial security to emerging talent
This policy is expected to improve the quality of domestic cricket while offering a clear path for players aiming to break into the national side.
Karachi Teams Have a Golden Opportunity
Abdullah also highlighted that Karachi, one of Pakistan’s major cricketing hubs, will have the opportunity to qualify both its teams for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy this season — a chance to re-establish the city’s dominant presence in national cricket.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Pakistan Cricket
The departures of big names like Malik, Saqlain, and Waqar mark the end of an era, but PCB’s new plans signal a fresh start. With an eye on strengthening domestic cricket and ensuring player development, these reforms may prove vital for Pakistan’s long-term cricketing success.
