Shoaib Malik’s participation in the National T20 Cup has ignited widespread discussion among cricket fans, with many calling out the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the veteran all-rounder for being part of Sialkot’s squad for the upcoming tournament. Critics argue that Malik’s selection, despite his considerable experience and past mentoring roles, comes at a steep cost to emerging talent and the future prospects of Pakistan cricket.
The PCB has already announced the tournament’s squads, with the competition set to kick off on March 14. Social media erupted with criticism after Shoaib Malik’s roster spot was revealed, despite him being 43 years of age. Fans were quick to point out that Malik’s inclusion means several promising young players—including Azan Awais, Ali Shafique, Awais Ali, Ayaz Tasawar, and Shahzaib Bhatti—were relegated to the reserve list. Azan Awais is perhaps the most notable name among the bunch. Having impressed with 1,422 runs at an average of 56.9 in the 2024-25 domestic season, his omission in favor of the 43-year-old does not seem justifiable.
Shoaib Malik’s selection for the National T20 Cup, a tournament intended to discover new talent, is particularly controversial given his lack of future prospects with the national team.
This is not even the first time that Shoaib Malik has taken a roster spot at the expense of younger players. Despite being appointed as a mentor, Malik was also a regular in last year’s Champions T20 Cup. His active inclusion in Sialkot’s playing XI drew fans’ ire, as many felt it undermined the purpose of the tournament.
The decision by the PCB comes at a time when domestic cricket is under close scrutiny, with critics urging a renewed focus on developing the next generation of players. The National T20 Cup 2025, scheduled to run from March 15 to 27, will feature 18 teams from 16 regions, with matches set to take place in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan.
Shoaib Malik’s inclusion in the National T20 Cup was never going to sit well with the fans and now it has become a challenge that the PCB will undoubtedly need to address as Pakistan cricket looks to build for the future.
