Fans questions Misbah's 'priorities' as he exits Champions Cup mid event for charity event in US

Sources claim mentor's departure was approved by PCB as he had informed the board beforehand about his commitment

According to reports, former Pakistan cricket captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who was a mentor for the Marghuz team in the Champions One Day Cup, has left the tournament midway to travel to the United States for charity events.

Sources claim that Misbah's departure was approved by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as he had informed the board beforehand about his commitment to a scheduled charity program during the Champions Cup window.

However, his decision has sparked criticism, with many fans on social media questioning his priorities. Critics argue that, given the substantial amount paid to Misbah as a mentor, he should have prioritized his role in the Champions Cup over external commitments.

Despite the backlash, reports indicate that Misbah will return to Pakistan soon and rejoin the team. His departure comes as Marghuz tops the points table, having won three out of four matches so far.

The all-format head coach Misbah-ul-Haq was been confirmed as a mentor of the Wolves side for the Champions One-Day Cup, currently being conducted in Faisalabad.

Shoaib Malik was also named the mentor of the Stallions side.

While Shoaib Malik’s Stallions was allocated Sialkot Cricket Academy for training and practice during the 2024-25 domestic cricket season, Misbah’s side was allocated Faisalabad Cricket Academy to prepare for the events during the upcoming season.

The Champions One-Day Cup features the country’s 150 best of the best cricketers.

This is a 50-over tournament that will be played in a single-league format.

Misbah-ul-Haq’s Wolves took on Panthers on the opening day on 12 September, followed by matches against Stallions (15 September), Dolphins (17 September) and Lions (20 September).

Misbah, Pakistan’s successful Test captain, led his side to victories in 26 out of 56 Tests, including inspiring Pakistan to No.1 in the ICC Test Team Rankings in August 2016; in 2014, equalled the then-world record for the fastest Test century by hitting a 56-ball 100 against Australia in Abu Dhabi; featured in two 50-over World Cups, three T20 World Cups and three ICC Champions Trophy events; was a member of the side that played the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 and won the tournament two years later at Lord’s; one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year for 2017)

“I am excited to reunite with Wolves as a mentor and play a crucial role in shaping the future of our emerging cricketers. This role not only allows me to share my experience and knowledge to help them refine their skills but also gives me a chance to complete some unfinished business from 2019 and bring my vision to life".