Former Pakistan batting great Mohammad Yousuf has called on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take firm action regarding Shoaib Malik’s participation in the ongoing PSL 10, reigniting a debate over player eligibility and generational transition within the country’s premier T20 tournament.3
Malik is currently representing Quetta Gladiators in the country's premier T20 tournament.
Malik, 42, is currently playing for the Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2025, but his continued presence on the field has not sat well with his former teammate Yousuf, who believes the PCB must set clearer policies about the participation of senior players—especially those already engaged in non-playing roles in domestic cricket.
“The PCB needs to draw a line regarding Shoaib Malik playing in the PSL. If you ask me to play, even I’ll play,” Yousuf said during a recent media appearance. “I think the board needs to decide who can play and who can’t. The board needs to make some decisions. Everyone wants to play.”
Yousuf pointed to Malik’s previous role as a mentor for the Stallions during the 2024 One-Day Cup, questioning the appropriateness of someone simultaneously serving in a mentoring capacity while continuing to compete at the highest domestic level.
While Yousuf took a firm stance, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi offered a more balanced perspective. Afridi acknowledged Malik’s enduring passion and fitness but suggested a measured approach that would also prioritize opportunities for emerging talent.
“He can play for as long as he wants to,” Afridi said. “I recently met him at Moin Khan’s Academy. He was coming back from training. At that time, the National T20 Cup was going on. 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.”
However, his presence in PSL 2025 has not been well received by his former teammate, Mohammad Yousuf, who believes the PCB needs to clarify the eligibility criteria for players in the league.
In 2024, Malik was appointed as a mentor for the domestic side Stallions during the One-Day Cup. Citing this role, Yousuf expressed his disapproval of Malik's continued involvement as a player in the ongoing T20 competition.
"The PCB needs to draw a line regarding Shoaib Malik playing in the PSL. If you ask me to play, even I’ll play. I think the board needs to decide who can play and who can’t. The board needs to make some decisions. Everyone wants to play," said Yousuf.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi did not speak harshly about Malik but suggested that the veteran should consider stepping aside to allow opportunities for younger players.
"He can play for as long as he wants to. I recently met him at Moin Khan’s Academy. He was coming back from training. At that time, the National T20 Cup was going on. 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.