Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik’s inclusion in Sialkot’s squad for the upcoming Nationwide T20 Cup has drawn criticism from followers, who argue that his choice has come on the expense of younger expertise.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) introduced the event’s squads earlier this week, with the competitors set to start on March 14.
Following the squad bulletins, followers expressed frustration over Malik’s choice, notably as a number of promising gamers, together with Azan Awais, Ali Shafique, Awais Ali, Ayaz Tasawar, and Shahzaib Bhatti, had been relegated to the reserves.
Now we have expertise however now we have PCB too..🙂
— Tayyab Says🇵🇰🇵🇸 (@tayyab_ibn_adam) March 12, 2025
Social media outrage was notably targeted on Azan Awais, a standout performer in home cricket. One submit highlighted his latest kind, stating:
“Azan Awais, who scored 1,422 runs within the 2024-25 home season at a median of 56.9, has been omitted of Sialkot’s squad for the Nationwide T20 Cup. As a substitute, they’ve included 43-year-old Shoaib Malik, sidelining a younger, gifted batter who additionally has an U19 century towards India.”
Azan Awais who scored 1422 runs in Home season 2024-25 at a median of 56.9, has been omitted from Sialkot’s squad for Nationwide T20 Cup. They’ve included 43 years previous Shoaib Malik as a substitute of a younger gifted boy who additionally has an U19 hundred towards India. pic.twitter.com/PZ7sp7DEuy
— Ahmad Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) March 12, 2025
Former Pakistan batter Salman Butt additionally questioned Malik’s choice, saying:
“This Nationwide T20 is a stepping stone for children. There ought to be some logic behind Shoaib Malik taking part in on this event, however I do not see that logic.”
Salman butt lashes Out at Shoaib Malik for taking part in Nationwide T20, Calls it “Illogical”.
“ Ye nationwide T20 aik stepping Stone ha for children.Shoaib malik ka nationwide t20 khelny okay peechy koi logic honi chahye aur mjhe wo logic nazr nae aa rhi” pic.twitter.com/Y5kVgnr4Ds
— Tahir (@rajatahir27) March 11, 2025
The controversy comes amid Pakistan cricket’s struggles in latest ICC tournaments, with disappointing performances in two World Cups and the Champions Trophy. The PCB’s resolution to favour veteran gamers over rising expertise has led to elevated scrutiny.
Why cannot this previous retired ineffective participant give probability to kids and groom them to be a greater participant.
— Damian Alexander (@damian5049) March 11, 2025
Initially appointed as mentors, Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz, and Sarfaraz Ahmed had been later added to the taking part in squads for Sialkot, Karachi, and Lahore, respectively. In response to the backlash, Wahab Riaz and Sarfaraz Ahmed withdrew from their squads on Monday, whereas Malik stays a part of Sialkot’s lineup.
The PCB introduced the Nationwide T20 Cup 2025 schedule earlier this week. The event, working from March 15 to 27, will function 18 groups representing 16 areas. Matches might be performed throughout Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan, with Faisalabad internet hosting the bulk, together with all seven knockout matches.