Can there be a dull day with Pakistan cricket or some development of news connected with it at the epicentre of the game? Turns out, no! If the controversy regarding the rather strict post T20 World Cup campaign of the team wasn’t enough where the board decided to financially reprimand its players for a lack of better performance (in the tournament), a new saga seems to have emerged.

In what can be called a fresh controversy that appears to be brewing in Pakistan cricket, a former Pakistan cricketer suggested that young opener Saim Ayub continues to receive opportunities in the national team due to backing from influential figures within the Pakistan Cricket Board.

This is an explosive claim and revolves around what has been described as the “Karachi factor”, implying that the left-handed batter enjoys support from high-profile officials who belong to the same city.

Ayub, who has been considered one of Pakistan’s most promising young batters, has been part of the national setup across formats despite inconsistent performances at the international level.

While the 22-year-old has impressed in franchise leagues and domestic cricket, his returns in international matches have often come under scrutiny.

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According to the former cricketer, several players in the domestic circuit have performed better but have not received similar opportunities. He alleged that Ayub’s continued selection is influenced by powerful individuals within the PCB who are keen on backing players associated with Karachi cricket. The comments have reignited the long-standing debate over regional bias in Pakistan’s selection system. Critics argue that talent from other regions sometimes struggles to receive consistent chances, while players with strong backing remain in contention despite mixed performances. Ayub first gained attention through his performances in Pakistan’s domestic circuit and the Pakistan Super League, where his aggressive batting style quickly made him a fan favourite. His fearless approach at the top of the order has often been seen as an asset for Pakistan’s white-ball setup.

However, the latest remarks have once again placed the spotlight on the selection policies of the PCB and the transparency of the process.