Waqar Younis named mentor of Lions for Champions Cup

This announcement follows last week's appointments of Shoaib Malik and Misbah-ul-Haq as mentors for the Stallions and Wolves

PHOTO: PCB

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially confirmed that Waqar Younis, one of the legends of Pakistan cricket, will serve as the mentor for the Lions team in this month’s Champions One-Day Cup.

The tournament is scheduled to take place in Faisalabad from September 12 to 29. As part of the preparation, the Lions have been allocated the National Cricket Academy for training during the 2024-25 domestic cricket season.

This announcement follows last week's appointments of Shoaib Malik and Misbah-ul-Haq as mentors for the Stallions and Wolves, respectively. Further details regarding the players and support personnel for the participating teams will be disclosed later this week.

The Champions One-Day Cup will feature the top 150 cricketers from across the country, competing in a 50-over format played in a single-league system. Apart from the September 16 match between Lions and Panthers, which is set to start at 9:30 AM, all matches will begin at 3:00 PM. The tournament will conclude with three playoffs in four days, culminating in the final on Sunday, September 29.

The Lions are set to kick off their campaign on September 13 against Shoaib Malik’s Stallions. This will be followed by matches against the Panthers (day match), Misbah’s Wolves on September 20, and the Dolphins on September 22.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Waqar stated, “I am excited about the opportunity to once again contribute to player development. This new role presents a fresh challenge that I embrace with great enthusiasm. Beyond the chance to work with some of the most talented cricketers, there will be a fascinating dynamic among the mentors as each of us will strive to outmaneuver the others.

“This friendly rivalry will certainly add an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the competition.

“This unique format, where every match counts, promises to bring a new level of excitement to the game. Fans can look forward to a thrilling 14-match tournament over 17 days, filled with high-stakes action and memorable moments.

“With a series of high-profile 50-over international matches on the horizon, culminating in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Champions One-Day Cup is an invaluable opportunity for players to showcase their skills and stake their claim for national selection. I have no doubt that this tournament will help us identify future stars who, with the right guidance and development, can serve our country for many years to come.

“As for my role, I am committed to sharing as much knowledge and insight as possible with both the coaching staff and the players. My goal is to help them grow into more effective and impactful players, ensuring a bright future for our Lions and the Pakistan cricket team.”

Schedule of the Lions’ matches (Day match will start at 9.30am, day/night matches will begin at 3pm):