Critics argue that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should focus on young players rather than experienced ones
12 March, 2025
PHOTO: AFP
Veteran cricketer Shoaib Malik is facing criticism from fans after being included in Sialkot’s squad for the National T20 Cup, which begins on March 14.
Fans believe Malik’s selection has taken a spot that should have gone to young players. Several emerging talents, including Azan Awais, Ali Shafique, Awais Ali, Ayaz Tasawar, and Shahzaib Bhatti, were placed in the reserves instead of the main squad, leading to frustration among cricket followers.
Many fans are particularly upset about Azan Awais missing out. He was one of the top performers in domestic cricket last season, scoring 1,422 runs at an average of 56.9. One social media post pointed out that Azan also scored a century against India in the Under-19 setup, yet he was not included in the playing squad.
One fan reacted by saying, "Mentor Shoaib Malik to play the NT20 for Sialkot. The state of PCB. Clowns." Another expressed frustration, writing, "Sialkot team in National T20 Cup, Azan Awais in reserves. Mentor Shoaib Malik in squad."
Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt also questioned Malik’s selection. "This National T20 is a stepping stone for youngsters. There should be some logic behind Shoaib Malik playing in this tournament, but I don't see that logic," he said.
Pakistan cricket has been under scrutiny after poor performances in recent ICC tournaments, including two World Cups and the Champions Trophy. Critics argue that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should focus on young players rather than experienced ones like Malik (43), Wahab Riaz (39), and Sarfaraz Ahmed (37), who were selected for Sialkot, Karachi, and Lahore squads.
Initially, these senior players were appointed as mentors but were later added to the playing squads. Following public backlash, Wahab Riaz and Sarfaraz Ahmed withdrew from their respective teams on Monday, but Shoaib Malik remains in Sialkot’s squad.
Wahab Riaz currently heads the PCB’s five-member mentorship panel, which includes Waqar Younis, Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shoaib Malik. This panel oversees the six regional teams and receives a considerable salary.
The PCB recently announced the schedule and squads for the National T20 Cup 2025. The tournament will run from March 15 to 27, featuring 18 teams from 16 regions. Matches will be played in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan. Faisalabad will host 23 of the 39 matches, including all seven knockout games, while Multan and Lahore will host eight matches each.
