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On August 30, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed that five cricket legends will mentor five teams in the upcoming Champions Cup. This domestic one-day tournament is designed to help players prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan next year.
The PCB selected Waqar Younis, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Younis Khan for these mentorship roles. The board aims to use their expertise to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket. This decision follows Pakistan’s loss in the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, highlighting the PCB’s serious approach towards next year’s ICC event.
Despite these intentions, many cricket fans in Pakistan have questioned the effectiveness of this mentorship scheme. Here are three detailed reasons why the new scheme may not work:
3. Too Many Mentors Create Confusion
One major problem with this mentorship scheme is the involvement of five different mentors. Each mentor brings their own style and ideas, which can lead to disagreements and confusion. With so many voices, players might struggle to receive clear and consistent guidance. If the PCB’s goal was to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket, appointing one or two mentors could have provided focused and coherent advice. This streamlined approach might have been more effective in addressing the players’ needs.
2. No Direct Improvement in Preparation
The current mentorship scheme does not offer a direct way to enhance Pakistan’s preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy. While the mentors will oversee their respective teams, this arrangement does not guarantee improved performance or readiness. Instead of relying on a mentorship scheme, the PCB could have organized a rigorous training program for a selected group of 30-40 players. These players could have benefited from intensive practice sessions and white-ball matches, ensuring they are well-prepared for the prestigious tournament. The Champions Cup, in its current format, is meant to celebrate the best performers from domestic and international cricket rather than serve as preparation for the main event.
1. Risk of Instability and Confusion
Having multiple mentors could lead to instability within the teams, a persistent issue in Pakistan cricket. When roles and responsibilities are not clearly defined, it can cause confusion and affect team performance. With so many mentors involved, players and support staff may find it challenging to navigate differing opinions and instructions. The PCB might have achieved better results by assigning these mentors to roles directly related to the national team. This would have provided them with a more defined purpose and contributed to a stable and cohesive preparation process for the Champions Trophy.
In summary, while the intention behind appointing these cricket legends as mentors is commendable, the approach might not effectively address the core issues. A more focused and structured strategy could have provided clearer guidance and better preparation for the players, ultimately leading to a more successful outcome in the ICC Champions Trophy.
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