The Pakistan Super League (PSL) prides itself on strict player eligibility protocols, particularly in its Emerging Player category, designed to promote raw, untapped domestic talent. But this season, that very mechanism is under scrutiny following Mohammad Naeem’s inclusion in the emerging slot for PSL 2025.
Naeem, who was relatively unheard of until this season’s PSL, became a linchpin in Lahore’s batting lineup as the tournament progressed. His talent finally shone through in the later stages, with stellar innings in the semifinal and final helping deliver Lahore its third PSL title. But what should have been a celebratory moment for the 26-year-old has instead thrown PSL and PCB modalities under a cloud.
What first appeared to be a routine squad selection has now developed into a pointed critique of the PSL’s vetting process, after former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif flagged Naeem’s ineligibility in a discussion with Dr. Nauman Niaz, citing clear violations of the league’s established criteria.
The PSL’s Emerging Player criteria, in place since the 2016–17 season, has two core stipulations:
Lahore Qalandars’ COO Sameen Rana, in an interview with CrickWick, addressed the complaints and assured that since Mohammad Naeem falls in the second category, he was eligible to represent Lahore Qalandars as their emerging pick. Lahore had issued a protected title for his services in PSL 9 but did not pick him until PSL X, meaning his criteria remained the same despite him playing pathway cricket in Pakistan.
He confirmed that PCB had allowed his stance to stand and Lahore has done nothing wrong.
The now-famous duo of Rashid Latif and Dr. Nauman Niaz rubbished Lahore Qalandars’ explanation, citing clear violation of the terms agreed. During their online discussion, they presented evidence that Mohammad Naeem had played district cricket in the 2017/18 season—well before Sameen Rana’s claims of protecting his rights. District cricket is considered pathway cricket in Pakistan.
According to Nauman Niaz, Azam Khan, the Director of Cricket for Quetta Gladiators, had flagged Mohammad Naeem’s selection, reportedly standing firm on principle, although franchise owner Nadeem Omar allowed the selection to stand, citing sportsmanship and goodwill.
The two, however, wished Naeem all the best and touted him as a future international in the coming years.
The PSL X should have been a celebration of Pakistan unearthing new talent once more. Naeem, after a slow start, ended the tournament with 314 runs from 12 games, a strike rate of 162.69, and three fifties to his name. With Mike Hesson at the helm, there is growing confidence that Naeem will don Pakistan colours sooner rather than later.
Is this a case of sour grapes or a genuine violation of PSL rules? Only the relevant bodies can determine.
Unless the PSL’s governing board releases a backdated amendment to its eligibility criteria, Mohammad Naeem’s inclusion technically stands as a violation in many people’s eyes. As of now, there’s been no official statement from the PSL’s technical committee, and it remains to be seen whether the incident will prompt a regulatory review or be quietly shelved.
This episode has laid bare a loophole—or at least laxity—in how the PSL enforces its own rules. While Naeem may not be at fault himself, the league’s regulatory oversight has come under scrutiny—and it may not escape criticism much longer. For a man just following his dreams, this episode comes as a blow, but whatever the outcome, Mohammad Naeem looks like the real deal when it comes to cricket at least.
Get the latest sports news, match updates, and player stories wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.