Shoaib Malik returns to Stallions as mentor for Champions Cup

Former Pakistan captain, Shoaib Malik, has been appointed as the mentor for the Stallions in the upcoming Champions One-Day Cup. The tournament will be held at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from September 12 to 29.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently announced five champion mentors for the event, with Malik being one of them. The other mentors include Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Waqar Younis. Each mentor will reveal their team’s name and logo in media conferences organized by the PCB to promote the Champions Cup and raise brand awareness.

The Champions One-Day Cup will showcase the top 150 cricketers in the country in a 50-over format, played as a single-league tournament. Most matches will start at 3 pm, except for the September 16 clash between Lions and Panthers, which will begin at 9:30 am. The tournament will feature three playoff games, culminating in the final on Sunday, September 29.

Malik’s Stallions will face off against the Lions on September 13, followed by matches against the Wolves on September 15, the Dolphins on September 19, and the Panthers on September 21.

Malik expressed his excitement about returning to the Stallions.

“I am thrilled to be appointed as a mentor for the Stallions, a team with which I have shared many memorable moments as a player and captain. Now, to return in the role of a mentor, is an incredible opportunity. I am confident that I can still contribute significantly to the Stallion brand by sharing my experience and passion for the game," Malik said.

Malik also highlighted the importance of his role as a mentor, which goes beyond just offering advice from the sidelines. Malik plans to take to the field in select matches, sharing his firsthand experience with younger players to help them improve their skills and prepare for the challenges of international cricket.

“As a mentor, my role goes beyond just providing guidance from the dugout. I will also take to the field in select matches to impart my firsthand knowledge and experience. This will enable our upcoming cricketers to refine their skills and elevate their game, ultimately supporting the Pakistan Cricket Board's efforts to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket," he further added.

Malik emphasized the value of the Champions Cup format, which brings together the best domestic talents in a highly competitive environment. 

“I am a strong advocate of the Champions Cup format, which unites the best talents from our domestic cricket in a highly competitive, high-pressure environment. While there will be fierce battles for supremacy on the field, there will also be intense rivalries among the mentors as we strive to outmaneuver each other, bringing an extra layer of excitement to every match," he stated.

Malik believes that the tournament will help bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket, strengthening Pakistan’s cricket structure.

“In cricket, as in any field, the learning process never truly ends, but it can certainly be accelerated. With this in mind, I am optimistic that the Champions Cup, guided by our experienced mentors, skilled coaching staff, and live broadcasts, will significantly strengthen our domestic cricket structure. This, in turn, will cultivate more skilled and talented players, ready to take on the global stage.

“Of course, such progress won't happen overnight, but with patience and persistence, we can achieve our shared goals. I eagerly anticipate the support of our dedicated Stallion fans and the media throughout the Champions Cup. Together, we can develop new champions who will bring glory not just to the team, but to our region and our country," he concluded.

The Stallions’ matches will all take place at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, with the first game against the Lions scheduled for September 13.