Naqvi meets mentors, reviews Champions Cup arrangements

FAISALABAD: Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi met with mentors of all five teams participating in the Champions ODI Cup, pledging to enhance the quality of pitches and ground facilities based on their suggestions.

Naqvi emphasised that the tournament would help groom new players as backups for all three formats of the national cricket team. Those who had meeting with PCB chief included Wolves mentor Misbah-ul-Haq, Stallions mentor Shoaib Malik, Lions mentor Waqar Younis, Dolphins mentor Sarfraz Ahmed and Panthers mentor Saqlain Mushtaq.

During the discussion, the mentors gave recommendations to improve the conditions at Iqbal Stadium. Naqvi immediately directed the Director of Domestic Cricket and Director of High Performance to take action.

He expressed hope that everyone would work together to make the Champions Cup a national brand, ensuring equal opportunities for all players to practice, with top-notch gym facilities provided to all teams.

Our Lahore correspondent adds: With the inaugural Champions One-Day Cup set to commence on September 12, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi visited the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad to review preparations and ensure everything is in place for the tournament. The opening match will feature the Wolves versus the Panthers.

Naqvi’s inspection included a review of the ground, enclosures, and player practice sessions. He directed that all arrangements be made to provide an excellent experience for cricket fans, noting that this tournament marks the return of senior competitive cricket to Faisalabad after a significant period. Chairman further said that the aim is to establish the Champions Cup as a brand of Pakistan, and the mentors have a significant responsibility in this regard.