KARACHI: Muslim FC’s Saeed Ahmed was named the best player of the Pakistan Premier Football League as the country’s top-flight event came to a close on Tuesday.

KRL’s Kaleemullah was named the best scorer and pocketed Rs100,000 after bagging a record-breaking 35 goals this season, smashing the previous record jointly held by KESC’s Mohammad Rasool (2009) and Afghan FC’s Jadeed Khan Pathan (2011) by 13 goals.

Army goalkeeper Jaffar Khan was named the best goalkeeper after producing some brilliant performances for his side to lead them to fourth place. He too received Rs100,000.

Meanwhile Irshad-ul-Haq was named the best referee and Abdul Shakoor Baloch, from Sindh centre, was named the best match commissioner. Both received a cash prize of Rs100,000.

Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) received the fair-play award and pocketed Rs100,000 along with the glittering trophy presented to them by Snooker legend Mohammad Yousuf, who was the chief guest at the ceremony.

But there was some criticism of the Best Player Award, which carries a prize purse of Rs150,000 going to Saeed with many believing it should have gone to Rasool, who scored 26 goals to guide KESC to second place ahead of Muslim FC.

“Rasool deserved the award,” said KRL manager Tariq Lutfi.

“He led the KESC attack superbly and produced some great match-winning performances. Saeedv could have been named the best emerging player.”

KESC’s Head of Sports Marketing Zabe Khan, meanwhile, called for a panel of journalists, officials and coaches to nominate players for each award.

“There should be a panel formed which should vote on which player should be nominated and subsequently awarded,” he said.

Rasool did not comment on the matter.—Sports Reporter