PCB Clarifies Discontinuation of Champions Cup Tournament

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has addressed the decision to discontinue the domestic ‘Champions Cup’ tournament, just a year after its inception. Director of Domestic Cricket Operations, Abdullah Khurram Niazi, provided insights into the move.

NCA’s Capacity to Organize Events

Niazi reassured that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) maintains full capability to promptly organize similar events if needed.

Champions Cup Purpose

Speaking on the PCB Podcast, Niazi explained that the Champions Cup was specifically tailored for high-achieving players within the domestic circuit. He emphasized that such tournaments could be swiftly arranged by the NCA when required.

  • “If the NCA ever instructs us to organise a Champions Cup-style tournament for top performers, we’ll be able to arrange it within three to four days,” he stated.
Player Development Framework

Niazi highlighted the PCB’s player development framework as successful, noting the recent selection of several domestic players for the Pakistan Shaheens squad.

  • “Three to four players from the domestic circuit have made it into the Shaheens team and are currently being groomed at the NCA. Their selection highlights the strength of our development system,” Niazi mentioned.
  • “Any future tournament requirements by the NCA will be fulfilled swiftly and efficiently.”
Mentor Reassignments

Khurram clarified that mentors have not been dismissed but have instead been reassigned to enhanced roles within the PCB structure.

  • “The mentors haven’t been let go, they’re still with the PCB, now taking on redefined roles in our cricket academies,” he clarified.
  • “Their responsibilities have expanded to year-round work focused on enhancing players’ fitness, technique, and overall performance.”

Khurram emphasized the mentors’ new responsibility of working closely with young cricketers during both off-season and competitive periods to boost their skills and ensure continued growth.

  • “The mentors were always meant to stay connected with players and now they’ll be even more deeply involved in shaping their careers,” he concluded.
Background on Champions Cup

The PCB’s decision to scrap the Champions Cup, launched a year prior as part of domestic cricket enhancements, was announced recently.

The competition will not be a part of the 2025–26 domestic season. Introduced in 2024 with significant promotion, the Champions Cup intended to increase competitiveness within domestic cricket.

The PCB had previously appointed five former cricketers—Saqlain Mushtaq, Waqar Younis, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, and Sarfaraz Ahmed—as mentors for the five participating teams on August 26, 2024, through a transparent process.

Former captain Shoaib Malik initially resigned from his mentoring role, followed by discussions regarding the potential departure of the remaining mentors.