Sialkot: Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik’s inclusion in Sialkot’s squad for the upcoming National T20 Cup has drawn criticism from fans, who argue that his selection has come at the expense of young talent.

Pakistan Cricket Board announced the tournament’s squads earlier this week, with the competition set to begin on March 14. Following the squad announcements, fans expressed frustration over Malik’s selection, particularly as several promising players, including Azan Awais, Ali Shafique, Awais Ali, Ayaz Tasawar, and Shahzaib Bhatti, were relegated to the reserves.

Social media outrage was particularly focused on Azan Awais, a standout performer in domestic cricket. One post highlighted his recent form, stating: “Azan Awais, who scored 1,422 runs in the 2024-25 domestic season at an average of 56.9, has been left out of Sialkot’s squad for the National T20 Cup. Instead, they have included 43-year-old Shoaib Malik, sidelining a young, talented batter who also has an U19 century against India.” Initially appointed as mentors, Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz, and Sarfaraz Ahmed were later added to the playing squads for Sialkot, Karachi, and Lahore, respectively.

In response to the backlash, Wahab Riaz and Sarfaraz Ahmed withdrew from their squads on Monday, while Malik remains part of Sialkot’s lineup.