Faheem Ashraf Defends PSL After Mohammad Hafeez’s Criticism

Islamabad United all-rounder Faheem Ashraf has responded to remarks made by former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez regarding the Pakistan Super League (PSL), offering a firm defense of player decisions and the league’s overall structure.

Speaking during a recent press conference, Faheem Ashraf addressed the growing discussion around players stepping away from the PSL and the way such decisions are being interpreted in Pakistan cricket.

He noted that while these choices are often personal, they are frequently viewed through a broader lens that may not reflect the realities faced by players.

“It was the same when he was playing in the PSL, but now he has stepped away. It is not personal, but such decisions can impact the future of our cricket, even if it does not affect us directly,” Faheem said.

His remarks came in response to Hafeez’s recent comments in a local media interview, where he appeared to question the recurring hype around franchise cricket. Hafeez suggested that the same cycle of promotion and star-driven narratives continues without any real change in direction.

In response, Faheem pushed back on this broader interpretation, stressing that players must be allowed to make individual career decisions without those choices being seen as harmful to the system.

He also emphasized the importance of focusing on long-term development, particularly in creating and protecting opportunities for younger players coming through the ranks.

“Our PSL will continue, and players like us will move on, but for the younger generation, we need to preserve and protect things in a better way so they face fewer challenges,” he said.

“It may be personal for some, but if we think purely about Pakistan cricket and the future, especially for the upcoming players, then whatever we do should benefit them and the game as a whole,” he added.

Faheem also addressed comparisons with former Pakistan all-rounders, underlining the importance of individuality in international cricket. He noted that every player has their own role, experience, and identity, which cannot be directly compared to others.

He further clarified that his focus remains on building his own career rather than being compared to former stars such as Abdul Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood, adding that his aim is to perform for Pakistan and let time judge his progress.

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