Shoaib Malik, despite being 43 years old, continues to feature prominently in franchise cricket leagues worldwide. He is currently playing for the Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2025, yet his participation in the tournament has drawn significant attention. Former Pakistan batter Mohammad Yousuf has questioned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s stance on the veteran all-rounder’s involvement, urging the board to take a clear position on whether he should continue playing or focus solely on his mentor role.
Shoaib Malik’s Role in PSL 2025 Under Scrutiny
Shoaib Malik’s inclusion in PSL 2025 has raised concerns, especially after his appointment as the mentor for Pakistan’s Stallions team during the Champions One-Day Cup last year. Malik, along with other cricketing legends like Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, was tasked with guiding emerging players in domestic cricket. However, Yousuf believes there is a potential conflict of interest in Malik’s dual roles, which could create confusion within the ranks.
Yousuf expressed his concerns on Samaa TV, stating that the PCB needs to set clear boundaries for senior players like Malik. “The PCB needs to draw a line regarding Shoaib Malik playing the PSL. If you ask me to play, even I’ll play,” Yousuf remarked, highlighting the issue of players being both mentors and active players in the same tournament.
Shahid Afridi Supports Shoaib Malik’s Continued Play
The debate took a new turn when Shahid Afridi, another former Pakistan cricketer, responded to the question posed by the broadcast anchor about Malik’s future in cricket. Afridi defended Malik’s decision to continue playing, referencing his fitness and dedication.
“He can play till whenever he wants to. I recently met him at the Moin Khan Academy, where he was training hard. During the National T20 Cup, Shoaib Malik was still involved in intense preparation,” Afridi noted.
However, Afridi also acknowledged the need to give young players a chance in domestic cricket. “Shoaib Malik can play some matches, but he should also miss a few games so that youngsters can step up. They’ve worked hard to reach this level,” Afridi added, hinting at the importance of balance between senior and emerging talent in the PSL.
Anchor’s Push for Clear Guidelines
The anchor’s question, “What happens to the youngster who misses out because Malik is playing?”, raised an important issue. It suggested that a clear distinction needs to be made between being a mentor and a player. Afridi responded with agreement, admitting the validity of the concern, “Yes, you are right. What else can I say?”
Shoaib Malik’s Performance in PSL 2025
In the PSL 2025, Shoaib Malik’s performance has not been up to expectations. In the two matches he played, Malik scored only 14 runs and failed to take any wickets. This underwhelming performance has added fuel to the fire of those questioning his continued participation in the tournament.
Malik’s involvement in PSL 2025 has also drawn attention because of his last appearance for Pakistan in 2021, when he played in a T20I against Bangladesh. Since then, he has focused on franchise cricket, often featuring in leagues like the PSL, where he remains a valuable figure for teams like the Quetta Gladiators.
Conclusion: Clarity from PCB
As the PSL 2025 progresses, many within the cricketing community believe that the PCB must establish clearer guidelines for senior players like Malik, particularly when it comes to balancing roles as mentors and players. With the PSL increasingly becoming a platform for emerging talent to shine, it’s vital that young players are given opportunities to showcase their skills, rather than being sidelined by experienced veterans.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has a crucial decision to make—whether to allow veterans like Shoaib Malik to continue in the playing XI or shift their focus solely to mentorship roles. This is an ongoing debate that will likely shape the future structure of Pakistan’s domestic and franchise cricket.
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