Former cricketers question Pakistan’s reliance on PSL performances

Criticism of Pakistan’s team selection approach has intensified after former cricketers Mohammad Wasim and Mohammad Yousuf raised concerns over the heavy reliance on domestic T20 performances, particularly in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Speaking in a recent discussion, Wasim supported the views of former captain Mohammad Hafeez, stating that strong performances in the PSL often lead to players being quickly included in the national side. However, he questioned the effectiveness of this approach, noting that many of these players have struggled in major International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments.

“What Hafeez said was absolutely right,” Wasim said. “If Babar Azam performs in the PSL, we start building the Pakistan team around that. But the same group of players has failed in the last five ICC events.”

Wasim stressed the importance of investing in new talent rather than relying on players who have not delivered on the international stage. “I’d rather pick a youngster who scores 200 runs in the PSL than someone who scores 400 but has already proven ineffective at the highest level,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Yousuf pointed out a broader issue in international cricket, explaining that top teams often field second-string sides in bilateral series to test their bench strength.

“It’s only in major events like the World Cup or World Test Championship that Pakistan faces full-strength teams, and that’s where the team gets exposed,” Yousuf said.

The statements have sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts, raising questions about whether Pakistan’s selection policies focus too much on short-term domestic success instead of building a squad capable of performing consistently on the global stage.