In a surprising turn of events, out-of-favor Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has openly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for what he perceives as extravagance, especially in their decision to hire five high-profile mentors for the newly inaugurated domestic tournament, the Champions Cup. This decision has not only ruffled feathers but also raised questions about financial prudence within Pakistan’s cricketing community.
The PCB recently announced that they have appointed Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Malik, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Sarfaraz Ahmed as mentors for the Champions Cup. The goal is to utilize their vast experience to groom the upcoming cricketers participating in this marquee tournament. While the move was initially applauded as an effort to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket, it quickly became controversial following disclosures about the financial terms involved.
Reports indicate that each of the five mentors has been handed a three-year contract, with salaries approximating PKR 5 million—nearly USD 18,000—per month. This figure, which has spread through the cricketing community like wildfire, has put the PCB under severe scrutiny. Public and media backlash has been particularly fierce because the reported remuneration for these mentors exceeds what PCB offers to its Grade A centrally contracted players. These players include notable names such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who are the backbone of the national team.
Ahmed Shehzad decided to make his dissatisfaction public by taking to social media. In a post on ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter), he vented his frustration and announced his decision to withdraw from the Champions Cup. “With a heavy heart, I’ve decided not to play in the Domestic Cricket Champions Cup,” Shehzad’s post began. “The PCB’s favoritism, false promises, and injustice towards domestic players are unacceptable. In a time when Pakistan is struggling with inflation, poverty, and massive electricity bills, the PCB is wasting 5 million Rs on mentors for doing nothing and rewarding failed players in the current team who brought Pakistan cricket to an all-time low.”
Shehzad’s message did not stop there. He also took a swipe at the PCB for their perceived lack of respect for domestic players. “It’s even more disrespectful that the PCB claims they don’t have ‘instruments for surgery,’ which is a huge disrespect for domestic players.
. As a Pakistani and true cricket lover, I cannot support a system that has no value for merit. I refuse to be a part of this failed setup.”
The repercussions of Shehzad’s bold statements have been immediate, generating a heated debate in the cricket community. Many fans and analysts have echoed Shehzad’s concerns, arguing that such spending is unjustifiable given the country’s broader economic challenges. The PCB, on the other hand, has defended its decision, stating that the mentors are expected to play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of Pakistani cricketers.
This controversy comes at a delicate time for the PCB, as they endeavor to restore the national team’s glory. Shehzad also pointed fingers at the management and the board for ostensibly making fast bowler Shaheen Afridi the scapegoat in Pakistan’s humiliating 10-wicket loss to Bangladesh. He argued that the team’s management needs to closely scrutinize other players’ performances as well, including those of Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, and Babar Azam.
The PCB is yet to make an official response to Shehzad’s accusations, but the ripple effects of his comments are already evident. The public and media are calling for transparency and a reassessment of the board’s priorities. For some, Shehzad’s refusal to participate in the Champions Cup is seen as a principled stand against what they perceive as systemic issues within Pakistani cricket.
Meanwhile, former PCB officials and cricketing legends have started voicing their opinions. Some support the board’s initiative, arguing that international experience and mentorship are invaluable for young players. Others believe Shehzad has raised valid concerns and that a detailed review is necessary to ensure resources are utilized effectively.
As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen how the PCB will navigate this controversy and whether they will address the underlying issues that Shehzad has brought to the forefront. What is certain, however, is that this incident has sparked a much-needed conversation about transparency, fairness, and priorities within Pakistan’s cricketing administration.
The coming weeks are poised to be crucial for the PCB as they attempt to balance their long-term objectives with the immediate concerns expressed by players and fans alike.
