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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has supported Shoaib Malik’s continued participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) despite criticism from former cricketers.
The 43-year-old Malik, currently representing Quetta Gladiators in PSL 10, has been in the spotlight after former batters Mohammad Yousuf and Basit Ali highlighted his inclusion in the team.
Shoaib Malik has played for four franchises since the inception of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The all-rounder has featured in 557 T20 matches, scoring 13571 runs and achieving 83 half-centuries. He currently ranks only behind West Indies’ Chris Gayle and England’s Alex Hales in the T20 runs tally.
Malik struggled to score against Lahore Qalandars, making only 14 runs off 15 balls while chasing a challenging total of 220. Furthermore, he went wicketless in the match, conceding 16 runs in just one over.
While speaking during a PSL show, Yousuf stated that a line should be drawn on allowing players of Malik’s age to participate in the league.
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“The board needs to draw a line regarding Shoaib Malik playing the PSL. If you ask me to play, even I’ll play,” he remarked.
Former cricketer Basit Ali also commented on the all-rounder’s inclusion in the playing XI during a TV show. He stated that young talent such as Khawaja Nafay was warming the bench due to Shoaib Malik
“If Shoaib Malik is playing, then Moeen Khan and Viv Richards should also play,” he said.
However, Shahid Afridi echoed contrasting sentiments to Yousuf and Basit, stating that Malik could play as he wanted to.
“He can play for as long as he wants to. Shoaib Malik can play some matches, but he should also skip a few games so that youngsters get their chance, as they have performed well to reach this stage,” Afridi said.
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