Islamabad, 18 April 2025: The inclusion of Faham-ul-Haq, son of former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, in the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-II tournament has stirred debate across Pakistan’s cricketing circles.
His selection has prompted concerns over fairness, as it appears to sidestep the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) existing regulations on domestic player eligibility.
Under the current rules, cricketers are not allowed to compete in both first-class and Grade-II competitions within the same season.
This restriction is aimed at creating space for up-and-coming talent in the lower tiers of domestic cricket.
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However, Faham, who has already featured in first-class matches this season for the Higher Education Commission (HEC), is now playing for Azlan Traders in the Grade-II tournament.
Sources from within the PCB have reportedly confirmed that an exception was made this year—specifically for HEC—to give their players additional exposure.
While this decision officially aims to support youth development, it has triggered criticism from observers who believe the move unfairly favours Faham. Some have questioned whether this exemption is based on merit or influence.
Critics argue that Faham’s performances at the Under-19 and first-class levels have yet to justify such high-profile opportunities.
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His continued presence in multiple domestic formats appears to conflict with the principles of transparency and equal opportunity.
The situation has also reignited discussions about nepotism in Pakistani cricket, with concerns that players from well-connected backgrounds are offered leniency not extended to others.
There has been little clarity on whether similar allowances will be made for players outside of HEC or Azlan Traders, adding to the growing unease.
As the domestic season unfolds, the cricketing community is watching closely to see whether the PCB will address these concerns—or if this exception signals a broader shift in how selection rules are applied going forward.
