Shoaib Malik has decided to step down from his role as a mentor with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), citing other commitments as the reason for his departure. Despite having a three-year contract that began in 2024 alongside Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Waqar Younis, Malik announced his resignation a fortnight ago.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, but after evaluating my commitments, I realised managing multiple responsibilities would prevent me from offering my best to both Pakistan cricket and my other endeavours,” Malik stated. “It’s fair to step away now. Working with Pakistan’s finest cricketers has been exceptionally rewarding.”
Malik’s resignation comes amidst uncertain times for the PCB’s mentoring initiative. Rumours suggest the board might reconsider the mentor programme following a hectic domestic season. There’s also doubt about whether the celebrated Champions Cup will occur again this year. However, PCB spokespersons have noted that any official decision on these matters has yet to be communicated by Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
This development follows controversy surrounding the mentors’ appointments last August, notably regarding their salaries. Earning PKR 5 million monthly, these figures exceed those of many top-tier Pakistani players, except for the most elite, such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan. Critics have questioned the clarity of the mentors’ job roles, as they were not meant to be coaches and did not require coaching qualifications.
The PCB, in its prior statement to ESPNcricinfo, maintained the confidentiality of salary discussions as a matter of policy. The board has not yet revealed whether Malik will be replaced or whether changes to the remaining mentors’ roles are forthcoming.
Danyal Rasool, ESPNcricinfo’s Pakistan correspondent, reported that talks with the other mentors revealed they had not received any updates about a change in their appointments. As of now, Malik is set to fulfil his contractual duties until they end, yet his long-term commitment will not extend into the next season.
