The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to permit its employees to engage with franchises in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is facing criticism following revelations that former captain Misbah ul Haq is serving as a consultant for Peshawar Zalmi.

At the beginning of the PSL season, the PCB had prohibited players Sarfaraz Ahmed and Wahab Riaz from collaborating with the Quetta Gladiators franchise, citing a conflict of interest in its policy that restricts former players on the PCB’s payroll from participating in the PSL in any role.

Despite this, Misbah has defended his association with Peshawar Zalmi, asserting that he had entered into a contract with the franchise prior to his appointment as a national selector and that his consultancy work is limited to specific days throughout the season. “I had signed a contract with Zalmi before I became national selector, and I only work for them as a consultant on designated days,” Misbah stated while donning the Peshawar Zalmi uniform.

When questioned about how he obtained permission from the PCB while Sarfaraz and Wahab were barred from working with Quetta Gladiators, Misbah claimed that his situation is unique and suggested that the PCB is in the best position to clarify the matter.

Having previously served as the head coach and chief selector of the national team, Misbah, who has been associated with the PCB in various capacities since 2019, emphasized the benefits of closely observing young players in the PSL. “When you watch and observe them closely and see how they respond to different situations, it becomes easier for you to make decisions as a national selector,” he explained.

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