The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strategically appointed mentors from the recently concluded Champions One-Day Cup to key roles in their high-performance centers across the country, aiming to bolster player development at various academies. Five veteran cricketers have been assigned leadership positions at these centers.

Sarfaraz Ahmed will oversee the Karachi Academy, Shoaib Malik will head the Sialkot Academy, and Waqar Younis has been entrusted with the Lahore Academy. Saqlain Mushtaq takes charge of the Multan Academy, while Misbah-ul-Haq will mentor players at the Faisalabad Academy.

These mentors, placed on attractive contracts, are expected to engage in year-round cricketing activities in collaboration with the PCB, ensuring continuous support for rising talent across Pakistan.

Meanwhile, in the tournament finale, the Panthers triumphed over the Markhors by five wickets at Faisalabad's Iqbal Stadium. The Markhors struggled to put together a competitive score, managing just 123 runs in 33.4 overs. Despite a spirited 46-run effort from Fakhar Zaman, the Panthers' bowlers—Mohammad Hasnain, Arafat Minhas, and Sajid Khan—dominated, each taking three wickets.

Led by Shadab Khan, the Panthers successfully chased the target in just 18 overs, securing the title in the inaugural edition of the Champions One-Day Cup.