Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik’s inclusion in Sialkot’s squad for the upcoming National T20 Cup has drawn criticism from fans, who argue that his selection has come at the expense of young talent.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the tournament’s squads earlier this week, with the competition set to begin on March 14.
Following the squad announcements, fans expressed frustration over Malik’s selection, particularly as several promising players, including Azan Awais, Ali Shafique, Awais Ali, Ayaz Tasawar, and Shahzaib Bhatti, were relegated to the reserves.
We have talent but we have PCB too..🙂
— Tayyab Says🇵🇰🇵🇸 (@tayyab_ibn_adam) March 12, 2025
Social media outrage was particularly focused on Azan Awais, a standout performer in domestic cricket. One post highlighted his recent form, stating:
"Azan Awais, who scored 1,422 runs in the 2024-25 domestic season at an average of 56.9, has been left out of Sialkot’s squad for the National T20 Cup. Instead, they have included 43-year-old Shoaib Malik, sidelining a young, talented batter who also has an U19 century against India."
Azan Awais who scored 1422 runs in Domestic season 2024-25 at an average of 56.9, has been left out from Sialkot’s squad for National T20 Cup. They have included 43 years old Shoaib Malik instead of a young talented boy who also has an U19 hundred against India. pic.twitter.com/PZ7sp7DEuy
— Ahmad Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) March 12, 2025
Former Pakistan batter Salman Butt also questioned Malik’s selection, saying:
"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."
Salman butt lashes Out at Shoaib Malik for playing National T20, Calls it “Illogical”.
— Tahir (@rajatahir27) March 11, 2025
“ Ye national T20 aik stepping Stone ha for youngsters.Shoaib malik ka national t20 khelny k peechy koi logic honi chahye aur mjhe wo logic nazr nae aa rhi” pic.twitter.com/Y5kVgnr4Ds
The controversy comes amid Pakistan cricket’s struggles in recent ICC tournaments, with disappointing performances in two World Cups and the Champions Trophy. The PCB’s decision to favour veteran players over emerging talent has led to increased scrutiny.
Why can't this old retired useless player give chance to youngsters and groom them to be a better player.
— Damian Alexander (@damian5049) March 11, 2025
Initially appointed as mentors, Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz, and Sarfaraz Ahmed were later added to the playing squads for Sialkot, Karachi, and Lahore, respectively. In response to the backlash, Wahab Riaz and Sarfaraz Ahmed withdrew from their squads on Monday, while Malik remains part of Sialkot’s lineup.
Mentor Shoaib Malik to play the NT20 for Sialkot.
— M (@anngrypakiistan) March 11, 2025
The state of PCB. Clowns. pic.twitter.com/RNAJ05AxJO
The PCB announced the National T20 Cup 2025 schedule earlier this week. The tournament, running from March 15 to 27, will feature 18 teams representing 16 regions. Matches will be played across Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan, with Faisalabad hosting the majority, including all seven knockout matches.
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