Advertisement
Advertisement
Former Pakistan captains Mohammad Yousuf and Shahid Afridi have publicly raised concerns over Lahore Qalandars’ selection strategy in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, particularly the decision to field an inexperienced opener, Mohammad Naeem, ahead of more seasoned domestic performers.
Speaking on a local sports show, Yousuf didn’t mince his words while reacting to Naeem’s inclusion in the Qalandars’ playing XI.
“I’ve heard Mohammad Naeem’s name for the first time. Has he even played first-class cricket?” Yousuf questioned bluntly.
“I’ve only seen him face 10 or 11 balls. They have Mohammad Akhlaq – an experienced first-class cricketer and a solid performer. How do you justify playing someone so raw over a proven domestic player?”
Mohammad Naeem, who had featured in just five T20 matches before making his PSL debut, was given the responsibility to open the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman.
The 22-year-old’s numbers don’t back his selection either – he had scored just 85 runs in those five games prior to the PSL and has managed only 8 and 10 in his first two PSL outings, totaling a modest 18 runs so far.
Shahid Afridi also took a subtle jab at Lahore’s tendency to pick untested players under the banner of talent discovery. “Credit bhi to lena hai,” he said, alluding to the franchise’s reputation for backing unknown names.
It’s worth noting that Lahore Qalandars lost their tournament opener to Islamabad United but bounced back in a high-scoring win over Quetta Gladiators.
They now gear up for a crucial clash against arch-rivals Karachi Kings later today at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
READ: Luka Modric becomes co-owner of Championship club Swansea
