Mohammad Yousuf suggests PCB to take strict action against Shoaib Malik’s participation in PSL, says ‘if you ask me…’
New Delhi: Despite his age (43), Shoaib Malik remains active in international franchise cricket, currently participating in the Pakistan Super League. However, former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Yousuf has questioned Malik’s continued involvement, calling on the Pakistan Cricket Board to establish clearer eligibility criteria for the tournament.
Shoaib Malik’s participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has drawn criticism, particularly given his concurrent role as a mentor for the Stallions team in the Champions One-Day Cup. This follows the appointment of several former cricketers, including Malik, Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, as mentors for domestic teams last year.
Mohammad Yousuf advocated for a clear distinction between mentoring and playing roles within cricket, urging the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to address potential conflicts of interest arising from blurred lines. He questioned the implications of this trend continuing unchecked.
A cricket broadcast’s host questioned former players Mohammad Yousuf and Shahid Afridi about Shoaib Malik’s retirement from cricket.
“The PCB needs to draw a line regarding Shoaib Malik playing the PSL. If you ask me to play, even I’ll play,” Yousuf said on Samaa.TV.
“I think the board needs to decide who can play and who can’t. The board needs to make some decisions. Everyone wants to play,” he added.
Shahid Afridi supports Shoaib Malik’s continued cricket career but suggests that opportunities should also be provided to younger players to develop their skills.
“He can play till whenever he wants to. I recently met him at the Academy of Moin Khan. He was coming back from training. At that time, the National Cup T20 was going on. Shoaib Malik can play some matches, but he should also miss a few games so that youngsters get their chance as they have performed to get here,” said Afridi.
The anchor criticized the player’s participation, questioning the impact on the absent child player and suggesting a conflict of interest between mentoring and playing. The anchor urged the mentor to choose one role.
Shahid Afridi then replied, “Yes, you are right. What else can I say?”
Shoaib Malik’s performance in the two Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 matches he played was underwhelming. He managed only 14 runs and failed to secure any wickets.
Shoaib Malik’s most recent appearance for Pakistan’s national cricket team was a T20 International match against Bangladesh in 2021.
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