PCB announce Miandad, Afridi, Sammy and Shoaib as PJL mentors

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday (June 29) confirmed Javed Miandad, Shahid Afridi, Daren Sammy, and Shoaib Malik as mentors of the inaugural Pakistan Junior League (PJL), which will be held later this year.

Speaking at a press conference, PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja announced Javed Miandad, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, and Daren Sammy to be the mentors of the league.

“I am delighted that we have been able to attract Javed Miandad, Daren Sammy, Shahid Afridi, and Shoaib Malik as mentors for the Pakistan Junior League. Their involvement in the Pakistan Junior League will help us achieve one of our event objectives that revolves around helping future generation of cricketers to achieve the champions and match-winning approach and mindset," Ramiz Raja said in the press conference.

“The involvement of the four icons also confirms that we are on track for delivering a successful event that will go on to help Pakistan cricket in more than one way. Besides creating a winning environment and developing skills and temperament of the teens, we are committed to developing new properties and Pakistan Junior League is an event in that direction, added Ramiz.

“PCB is the first cricket board which is organizing a junior league,” claimed Ramiz Raja

The four cricketing legends also serve as the ambassadors of the league. PCB will use their knowledge, influence, and their image to promote and publicise the inaugural edition of the Pakistan Junior League. It was said by the PCB that three more team mentors will be announced in due course.

“I have always enjoyed being part of the coaching set-up and this opportunity provides me with a chance to return to the field, work with players with bigger objectives and help them achieve excellence. Pakistan Junior League is an exciting and unique product. I not only look forward to making a meaningful contribution but also project this league as a game-changer," said former Pakistan legend Javed Miandad.

“I am pleased to have been awarded with the opportunity to be involved in the inaugural Pakistan Junior League" said Daren Sammy

"I am fully behind the concept and believe it will assist in identifying and fast-tracking outstanding cricketers. 

"I have been part of Pakistan cricket system since 2016 and am a witness to some great local talent that has blown me away. I now look forward to working more closely with the teenagers, pass on my knowledge to them and help them fulfil their dreams of becoming international cricketers," added Sammy.

“I am a big advocate of investing in the future", Shahid Afridi

 "If T20 cricket is a vehicle to promote and develop cricket, and identify young talent, then we need to create opportunities and come up with novel ideas to unearth hidden talent, and ensure their skills and performances are duly noticed and subsequently rewarded. Working as a mentor of a side comprising teenagers will be a new experience for me. 

"I am thoroughly excited and looking forward to playing my part in helping these energetic and skillful cricketers achieve the zenith of glory. I believe that flashing actually only happens at under 13 to 19, after that it’s amiably man management," said Shahid Afridi on his appointment.

Shoaib Malik on his new role said: “I feel privileged and honoured to have been awarded with the opportunity to work as a mentor with one of the Pakistan Junior League sides. As someone who is actually a product of age-group cricket when I first played in the 1998 U19 World Cup, I can vouch for the importance and significance of this tournament."

According to the PCB chairman, a total of 30 companies were ready to own the six franchises planned for the tournament. The franchises will be able to recruit the young players via a draft system and will be allowed to avail the services of an iconic player as the mentor of the team.