Legendary former Pakistan cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq has been named as mentor for the Panthers in the Champions One-Day Cup that will be played at Faisalabad from September 12-29.
Saqlain Mushtaq has been assigned the role of head coach, and The Panthers will use Inzamam-ul-Haq Cricket Academy as their training base in Multan to get ready for 2024-25 domestic cricket season. Famous for redefining spin bowling with the introduction of the ‘Doosra‘, Saqlain boasts a significant amount of cricketing know-how.
Saqlain went on to claim several milestones during his illustrious career including having the most ODI wickets in a calendar year (1996 and 1997), back-to-back hauls of over ten against India, one three hat-trick too – only Pakistani bowler who took it in an ODI World Cup. Top cricketing countries, like Pakistan, England, New Zealand backing on his abilities to coach their national side.
The 2020 edition of the Champions One-Day Cup is set to be a gripping affair with as many as 150 elite cricketers from across 🇿🇦. The championship is based on a 50-over single-league schedule in which games will mostly be played at the 3 pm kickoff time. The event will featuring three playoffs over four days, culminating in the final on Sunday 29th September. With Misbah-ul-Haq‘s Wolves starting their campaign on September 12, the Panthers will then go onto to face all of Dolphins, Lions and Stallions.
Speaking about his new role and the Panthers acquisition, former Pakistany leg-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq said: The Champions One-Day Cup is one of Pakistan’s premier limited overs competitions along with being a vital breeding ground for unearthing young talent. Starting with the Champions One-Day Cup, it’s exciting to get an opportunity as mentor of the Panthers on what is our journey towards ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Saqlain further said, “I am here to help the players take their performance up a notch and get them perform at their best so as defending champions we can be proud this year.”
He also reiterated the importance of U16 tournament in grooming future stars for Pakistan. “The Champions One Day Cup is not only a competition but it serves as a platform for young talent and acts as the breeding ground of Pakistan cricket,” Hanif explained. I urge all players, fans and everyone associated with the competition to get behind this year’s Champions One-Day Cup. We can make it successful together and lay a strong base for the future of Pakistan cricket, “ concluded Misbah.