The Lahore Qalandars’ rough start to their PSL X campaign has drawn sharp criticism from two of Pakistan’s most respected cricketing voices — Mohammad Yousuf and Shahid Afridi — who have questioned the franchise’s selection policy, particularly the inclusion of uncapped opener Mohammad Naeem at the expense of more established domestic performers.
Lahore, sitting at 1-1 after their opening two fixtures, has struggled to find balance in their top order. While Fakhar Zaman has shown glimpses of his class, it is the promotion of 22-year-old Mohammad Naeem — with minimal cricket experience — that has raised eyebrows.
Mohammad Yousuf, known for his measured critiques, did not mince words on a local sports show. He said,
I have heard Mohammad Naeem’s name for the first time. Has he played any first-class cricket? I don’t know what kind of player he is. I have seen just 10-11 balls from him. They have Mohammad Akhlaq; he is a fantastic player and has first-class experience. How can you promote someone new over someone who has more experience?
Shahid Afridi, never one to hold back, echoed Yousuf’s sentiments with a brief remark on the issue. “Credit bhi to lena hai,” Afridi said.
Mohammad Naeem has been handed Lahore Qalandars’ opening slot alongside Fakhar with just 7 T20 games under his belt. He has reportedly looked sharp in training scenarios but has failed to make his mark in two opening PSL games for his team, scoring 8 and 10 for a total of 18 runs.
The critique from Yousuf and Afridi also touches on a larger concern: the PSL’s growing disconnect with Pakistan’s domestic ecosystem. As franchises increasingly lean on internal pipelines, i.e., their Player Development Programmes, some of the country’s most consistent performers are finding PSL doors closed.
While PDPs have unearthed gems like Zaman Khan and Haris Rauf for Lahore Qalandars, the ultimate goal of the PSL should remain a steady supply of the next generation of cricketers for the Pakistan cricket team.
Lahore Qalandars have a few days before their next game and a crucial selection call to make. Do they persist with Naeem and double down on their developmental ideology, or do they adjust their XI with experience and form in mind?
For now, the message from two of Pakistan’s greats is loud and clear: merit must matter. And in a league as unforgiving as the PSL, sentiment seldom trumps scoreboard pressure.
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