PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Announces New Domestic Cricket Initiatives with Waqar Younis

Islamabad: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, alongside former fast bowler Waqar Younis, held a press conference to unveil new and exciting projects aimed at enhancing domestic cricket in Pakistan.
Naqvi stated that there is no need to overhaul the domestic structure, asserting that Pakistan’s current domestic system is adequate. To further improve it, the PCB will launch the Domestic Champions Cup, starting from September 1. This new competition will feature three formats: One-Day, T20, and First-Class cricket.
The Chairman emphasized that there would be no significant alterations to the existing domestic infrastructure. Instead, the focus will be on refining the system with the help of Waqar Younis, who will be tasked with polishing the skills of 30 players. Naqvi expressed confidence that Younis, with his extensive experience, will play a key role in enhancing the quality of the players.
In addition to the Domestic Champions Cup, which will include foreign players, Naqvi announced that domestic players’ salaries and match fees have been increased. The Champions Cup will feature five teams, each accompanied by five legendary players. This setup is intended to create a high-performance environment and improve player development.
Naqvi also highlighted that the new initiative will allow the Chief Selector to choose players based on merit, ensuring that the best talent is selected for national representation. The five legendary players joining the tournament will serve as advisors, working alongside Waqar Younis to form a strong advisory board.
Former captain Waqar Younis echoed Naqvi’s sentiments, emphasizing the need to improve the current state of Pakistani cricket. He expressed enthusiasm for the Champions Cup concept, which includes the involvement of cricket legends, and is optimistic about the positive impact it will have on the sport.
The PCB’s new initiatives are expected to bolster the domestic cricket structure and better prepare players for international competition.