Mohsin Naqvi: Revolutionizing Pakistan Cricket with the Champions Tournaments
PCB Chair’s Vision for Pakistan Cricket: “The Champions tournaments are about more than bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket. They are about revolutionizing and rejuvenating our entire cricketing ecosystem,” says Mohsin Naqvi, PCB Chair. “We are committed to identifying, nurturing, and preparing our best talent to represent Pakistan on the global stage.”
New Era for Domestic Cricket: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the addition of three Champions tournaments for the 2024-25 season. These tournaments aim to provide a tougher, more competitive cricket environment, better earning opportunities, and prepare players for international cricket right at home.
Season Details: The 2024-25 season will run from September 2024 to August 2025, featuring the Champions One-Day Cup, Champions T20 Cup, and Champions First-Class Cup. These will join existing tournaments, increasing the number of matches from 203 to 261 across eight men’s senior events, including 131 first-class matches, 40 50-over matches, and 90 T20 matches.
Comprehensive Player Development: The PCB will also organize around 13,000 development and pathway matches at various levels, from schools to U19, to test and prepare budding cricketers for higher competition.
Champions Tournaments Features:
- Teams: Five sides – Dolphins, Lions, Panthers, Stallions, and Wolves.
- Format: Each event will be played in a double-league format.
- Participants: Around 150 top domestic and centrally contracted players.
- Mentors and Owners: Each team will have a former Pakistan superstar as a mentor, potentially as an owner.
- Support Staff: Teams will include experienced coaches, physiotherapists, analysts, and media managers.
- Training Facilities: Dedicated Regional High Performance Centres across Faisalabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Sialkot.
- Enhanced Contracts: 150 players will receive improved monthly retainers and match fees, significantly higher than the previous season.
Enhanced Earnings for Players:
- Monthly Retainers:
- Category 1: PKR550,000 for 40 players
- Category 2: PKR400,000 for 50 players
- Category 3: PKR250,000 for 60 players
- Match Fees:
- PKR200,000 for red-ball cricket
- PKR125,000 for 50-over matches
- PKR100,000 for T20 matches
Revenue Streams: Each team will have a Corporate Sponsor and Media Partner, with additional revenue from broadcast rights, event sponsorships, ground branding, and merchandise sales.
Season Opener and Closer:
- Champions One-Day Cup: 1-29 September (21 matches)
- Champions First-Class Cup: 28 May-5 August (21 matches)
Comprehensive Tournament Schedule:
- Champions One-Day Cup: 1-29 September (21 matches, new event)
- President’s Cup (50-over): 3-15 October (19 matches)
- Quaid-e-Azam Trophy: 20 October-18 December (73 matches)
- Champions T20 Cup: 21 December-2 January (21 matches, new event)
- President’s Trophy (first-class): 6 January-7 March (37 matches)
- National T20 Cup: 13-21 March (35 matches)
- Pakistan Super League 2025: 10 April-25 May (34 matches)
- Champions First-Class Cup: 28 May-5 August (21 matches, new event)
Pathway for Future Stars: In addition to the eight senior tournaments, the PCB will organize 11 development/pathway tournaments and series for Pakistan Shaheens and U19 teams, providing around 13,000 matches for young cricketers to showcase their skills and progress through the ranks.
Mohsin Naqvi’s Optimism: “Our current standings in international cricket do not reflect Pakistan’s true potential. The introduction of the Champions tournaments is a bold step to restore our place at the top. These tournaments will mirror the intensity of international cricket, providing exposure and experience. We are dedicated to creating a robust domestic structure that consistently produces world-class talent,” says Naqvi.
Future of Pakistan Cricket: The PCB’s investments in the Champions tournaments aim to revolutionize Pakistan cricket, ensuring a bright future filled with world-class talent representing the nation on the global stage.
