Karachi — Pakistan’s middle-order batter, Umar Akmal, has strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for allowing 43-year-old players to feature in the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), claiming that age-based discrimination is at play in player selection.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, a visibly frustrated Umar Akmal questioned the PCB’s stance on player selection, saying, “The PCB tells us we are too old to play or even mentor, yet players aged 43 and 45 are still playing. What are we supposed to do—shoot ourselves?”
He pointed out that players such as himself, Ahmed Shehzad, and Sohaib Maqsood, who are around 34 years old, are being overlooked, while older players continue to be selected. Umar further accused the board of ignoring younger talent in favor of senior players, who he claimed are taking spots in the PSL without meeting proper fitness standards. He criticised the board for not conducting fitness tests on some senior players and coaches, and alleged that certain senior players only prepare for the PSL, blocking opportunities for emerging talent.
Umar also raised concerns about the impact on fan attendance, questioning why audiences would come to the stadium if iconic players were kept out of PSL matches due to age-based selections.
This criticism comes in the wake of similar concerns raised by former cricketer and national team batting consultant Mohammad Yousuf, who also questioned the inclusion of 43-year-old Shoaib Malik in PSL 10, urging the PCB to establish a clear policy for selecting aging players.
As the debate over age and player selection continues, many are calling for the PCB to reassess its approach and ensure fair opportunities for both young and experienced cricketers in the league.
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