Veteran Pakistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad has come down heavily on all-rounder Shadab Khan following the latter’s recent comments directed at former national players. The reaction comes after Pakistan’s loss to India in the T20 World Cup, a result that sparked widespread criticism of the Salman Ali Agha-led team.
Responding to former cricketers who questioned the team’s performance, Shadab noted that he had at least been part of a Pakistan team that beat India in an ICC event, something he suggested the previous generation failed to achieve. The comment did not sit well with Shehzad.
During a television debate, Shehzad launched a fierce attack, questioning Shadab’s place in the national team and accusing him of benefiting from undue support. He alleged that the all-rounder had not done enough in domestic cricket to justify his selection and hinted at preferential treatment.
“Firstly, you came in through the back door (Ek to aap chor raastey se aaye ho). You are neither a player nor a regular in domestic cricket. Despite not performing at all, you are getting backing. You didn’t even do rehabilitation after getting injured. They removed Hasan Ali from the central contracts, but not you. If that is not favoritism, then I don’t know what is. It doesn’t look good when you make such statements. And are you comparing yourself with the team of the years 90? They had their problems and lost to India in the World Cups, but they were far superior to you. Look at their performances; they dominated India during that period, just because two former players criticized the team, you suddenly forgot the support they gave you,” Shehzad said.
The debate also featured former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir and former wicketkeeper Rashid Latif, who weighed in on the controversy.
Amir expressed disappointment in Shadab’s timing, suggesting that such comments were inappropriate during an ongoing tour.
“If you are on tour, there will be criticism. Therefore, you have no right to say such things when you are on tour. Even we used to be criticized during tours, but my goal was to silence those critics with my performances. So, if you are not performing, you should remain silent,” Amir noted.
Latif, meanwhile, offered his own direct response.
“Shadab should get credit for showing the courage to say what he said. Everyone has the right to speak, so it’s okay,” Latif added sarcastically.