Former Test cricketer Muhammad Hafeez has voiced criticism against Lahore Qalandars' Player Development Program (PDP), stating that only Haris Rauf has emerged as an international-level product from the system. In an interview with a private news channel, Hafeez expressed disappointment with the PDP's track record over the nine years of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), claiming that it failed to produce significant talent for the national team. He alleged that the program was primarily utilized for marketing purposes rather than nurturing genuine talent. Hafeez's remarks follow Lahore Qalandars' consecutive defeats in the initial matches of PSL 9.

He questioned the effectiveness of the program, contrasting its outcomes with the established talents like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Fakhar Zaman, who were already part of the PCB system before joining Lahore Qalandars. However, Hafeez acknowledged the franchise's support for financially struggling players but emphasized that it does not compensate for the lack of successful international products. Meanwhile, former Lahore Qalandars player and ex-Test cricketer Azhar Ali echoed Hafeez's sentiments, highlighting the existing talent pool within the PCB system. The debate over Lahore Qalandars' PDP underscores broader discussions about player development strategies in Pakistan's cricketing landscape, prompting reflection on the efficacy of franchise-driven initiatives in grooming future cricketing stars.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)