Pakistan’s Cricket Icon Misbah-ul-Haq Joins Wolves as Mentor
Pakistan’s Cricket Icon Misbah-ul-Haq Joins Wolves as Mentor: Former Pakistan captain and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq has been appointed as the mentor of the Wolves for the upcoming Champions One-Day Cup, scheduled to take place in Faisalabad from September 12-29. This prestigious tournament will bring together the top 150 cricketers from across the country, competing in a single-league 50-over format.
On Thursday, it was announced that Shoaib Malik will serve as the mentor for the Stallions, while Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Waqar Younis are expected to have their respective team names revealed in the coming days. The Stallions, mentored by Shoaib Malik, will use the Sialkot Cricket Academy for their training sessions during the 2024-25 domestic cricket season, while Misbah’s Wolves have been assigned the Faisalabad Cricket Academy.
The Champions One-Day Cup will showcase high-quality cricket action with matches commencing at 3 PM, except for the 16 September clash between the Lions and Panthers, which will start at 9:30 AM. The event will include three playoffs over four days, culminating in the final on Sunday, September 29. Misbah’s Wolves will face the Panthers on the opening day, 12 September, followed by matches against Stallions (15 September), Dolphins (17 September), and Lions (20 September), all at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.
Misbah-ul-Haq, one of Pakistan’s most accomplished cricketers and former captain, expressed his enthusiasm for his new role. “I am excited to reunite with Wolves as a mentor and play a crucial role in shaping the future of our emerging cricketers,” he said. “This role not only allows me to share my experience and knowledge to help them refine their skills but also gives me a chance to complete some unfinished business from 2019 and bring my vision to life.”
Misbah, known for his tactical acumen and leadership, holds a celebrated record as Pakistan’s most successful Test captain, leading his team to 26 victories in 56 Tests. His illustrious career also includes equaling the then-world record of the fastest Test century with a 56-ball hundred against Australia in 2014 and achieving the No.1 position for Pakistan in the ICC Test Team Rankings in 2016. Additionally, he has participated in two 50-over World Cups, three T20 World Cups, and three ICC Champions Trophy events, and was named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 2017.
Reflecting on the tournament, Misbah ul Haq emphasized its significance, “The Champions One-Day Cup is an electrifying event where the best players in the country will compete fiercely in a format where every match is crucial. This competition promises to provide fans in Faisalabad with top-notch cricket and motivate our players to give their best efforts. It also gives the PCB a stage to promote and enhance this important event.”
He further highlighted the opportunity the tournament presents to discover new talent for Pakistan cricket. “I believe this tournament will be pivotal in discovering the next generation of talent who can be developed to represent Pakistan on the international stage,” he added. With upcoming series against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, as well as a home tri-series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Misbah believes there is no better time to identify and nurture future stars.
Wolves’ match schedule: 12 September – Wolves vs. Panthers, 15 September – Wolves vs. Stallions, 17 September – Dolphins vs. Wolves, 20 September – Lions vs. Wolves. All Wolves matches will be held at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, starting at 3 PM.
With experienced mentors like Misbah-ul-Haq at the helm, the Champions One-Day Cup promises to be a showcase of cricketing talent and fierce competition, setting the stage for the next wave of stars in Pakistan cricket.
