Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) announcement of its ‘Team of the Tournament’ at the end of the 11th edition has sparked a wave of reactions online as the selection didn’t seem to sit well with some cricketers and fans alike.
Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam was on Monday named captain of the team after leading his squad to a drought-breaking title and finishing as the competition’s top run-scorer. He scored 588 runs, hit two centuries and matched Pakistani batter Fakhar Zaman’s record for the most runs in a single PSL season.
The team of the tournament also included three players each from Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderabad Kingsmen, two each from Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United, and one each from Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators.
Notable inclusions were Zalmi’s Kusal Mendis as wicket-keeper, left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem as player of the tournament and Hyderabad Kingsmen’s Usman Khan, Hassan Khan and Hunain Shah.
Reacting to the announcement, Karachi Kings captain and former Australian batter David Warner questioned the absence of his team’s players from the squad. “Where is Karachi players [sic],” he commented as several fans also disagreed over individual selections, especially Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan.
“Shaheen to bilkul deserve nahi kerta [Shaheen doesn’t deserve it at all], Maaaf ker du 🙏,” wrote one while another asked, “Shaheen & Shahdab on what basis?”
Several others highlighted names that deserved a spot but were missing. “No Farhan?” asked one, referring to star Pakistani batter Sahibzada Farhan. Another asked, “Where is Usman Tariq?”
A few users specifically criticised Shadab Khan’s inclusion. “Shahdab kis performance pr?” Some also mocked the selection process, with one remarking, “Best team ✖️parchi team ✅.”
Separately, an ‘Emerging Team of the Tournament’ was also named, and featured young players who impressed during the season.
