PJL coaching staff for the inaugural season announced
Each of the six teams competing in the Pakistan Junior League 2022 were given an individual identity at the start of the player draft, which is taking place here on Thursday.
The titles have been given according to the ge-ography, culture and heritage of the six sides which represent the six Cricket Associations.
Bahawalpur Royals: Bahawalpur has a rich princely heritage and it is considered the royal jewel of Southern Punjab. The Royals will aim to carry the legacy of the city by inspirational on-field per-formance in the Pakistan Junior League. Mentor – Imran Tahir Head coach – Gordon Parsons
Batting coach – Imran Farhat
Gujranwala Giants: Home to the all-time great wrestler Gama Pehlwan also known as Rustam-e-Zaman, Gujranwala has a rich sporting tradition which the Giants will embody during the Pakistan Junior League. The wrestling tradition is prevalent even today with the present generation carrying on the baton and winning medals for the country in sporting events around the world. Mentor – Shoaib Malik Head coach – Ijaz Ahmed Snr
Bowling coach – Aizaz Cheema
Gwadar Sharks: The beautiful and scenic Gwadar beach is considered Pakistan’s gateway to the world via the Arabian Sea.The Gwadar Sharks will be lurking for their sporting prey when action begins at the Gaddafi Stadium on October 6 in the 19-match tournament.
Mentor – Vivian Richards Head coach – Mushtaq Ahmed Batting coach – Kamran Khan
Hyderabad Hunters: The city known for its culinary delights will be game for all the flavours that cricket has to offer. The Hunters will hope to stay in the hunt for the prestigious title – the inaugural Paki-stan Junior League champions.
Mentor – Daren Sammy
Head coach – Abdul Razzaq
Batting coach – Ghulam Ali
Mardan Warriors: The Warriors will aim to continue the proud tradition of the warriors of the region renowned for their never-say-die attitude and killer instincts, two ingredients found in all sporting victors.
Mentor – Shahid Afridi Head coach – Abdur Rehman Bowling coach – Mohammad Sami
Rawalpindi Raiders: The Rawalpindi and Po-tohar regions are renowned for their rugged terrain and survivor traits. The Raiders would be ready to raid for glory at the Pakistan Junior League 2022.
Mentor – Colin Munro
Head coach – Toby Radford
Batting coach – Muhammad Masroor. PCB Director Commercial Usman Waheed said : “We have tried to associate the names of each of the six sides with their respective cities keeping in mind their own individual identity, cultural and traditional background and history. Each of the six Cricket Associations are represented at the Pakistan Junior League and each side carries a unique flavour.
“We have aimed to lay the foundation of six sides that will in due course become household names and brands especially amongst the cricket playing youth and the enthusiasts of the game not only in the country but around the world.”
Some of the leading coaches involved with do-mestic U19 and senior teams have been handed the reins of the six Pakistan Junior League teams for the 19-match inaugural season set to be held at Lahore’s Gadaffi Stadium from 6 to 21 October.—APP
