Saqlain named Panthers’ mentor

LAHORE: Legendary off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has been appointed as the mentor for the Panthers in the upcoming Champions One-Day Cup, set to take place in Faisalabad from 12-29 September.

The Panthers will train at the Inzamam-ul-Haq Cricket Academy in Multan throughout the 2024-25 domestic cricket season.

Saqlain Mushtaq, widely regarded as the inventor of the ‘Doosra’ and a key figure in Pakistan’s cricket history, expressed his excitement about his new role. He sees the Champions One-Day Cup as a vital stepping stone for emerging talent.

“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. My objective is clear: to elevate these players’ performance and push them to their maximum potential so we can defend our title with distinction,” Saqlain said.

The Panthers will face off against Misbah-ul-Haq’s Wolves in the opening match on 12 September at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad. They will then compete against the Dolphins on 14 September, the Lions on 16 September, and Shoaib Malik’s Stallions on 21 September.

All matches, except for the Panthers vs. Lions clash on 16 September which starts at 9:30 AM, will begin at 3:00 PM. Saqlain Mushtaq’s illustrious career includes setting the record for the most ODI wickets in a calendar year (65 wickets in 1996, then 69 wickets in 1997), two consecutive 10-wicket hauls against India, and a hat-trick in the 1999 ODI World Cup.

“The Champions One-Day Cup is more than just a competition; it’s a critical stepping stone for young talent and a cornerstone of Pakistan cricket’s future,” Saqlain said. He highlighted the structured pathway from age-group cricket through regional and departmental levels to the Champions Cup.

Schedule of the Panthers’ matches (Day match will start at 9.30am, day/night matches will begin at 3pm):

12 Sep – Wolves v Panthers (d/n)

14 Sep – Dolphins v Panthers (d/n)

16 Sep – Lions v Panthers (d)

21 Sep – Panthers v Stallions (d/n)

Kirsten to watch players during Champions Cup

Pakistan’s white-ball coach, Gary Kirsten, will play a pivotal role in the upcoming Champions One-Day Cup, set to take place at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from September 12 to 29.

Kirsten, a former South African opener and renowned coach, will closely monitor the performances of players during this crucial fifty-over competition. Kirsten returned to his hometown in South Africa after Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. In July, he made a visit to Lahore to meet with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, where he provided feedback and strategic insights aimed at improving the team’s future performance.

This tournament will serve as an opportunity for Kirsten to assess the country’s top talent ahead of Pakistan’s white-ball series against Australia, scheduled for November.