The Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly expressed its displeasure with Shadab Khan following his scathing comments on former players during the ongoing World Cup. According to a report, the board of directors warned the player to be more measured in his language after he responded harshly to criticism surrounding his selection.
Shadab had responded to his detractors after playing a key role in Pakistan’s 102-run victory over Namibia in Colombo on Wednesday, contributing a spirited 36 off 22 balls and returning figures of 3-13. Referring to criticism of former cricketers appearing on television panels, he said: “Former cricketers have their own opinions. They (former players) were legends, but even they couldn’t achieve what we have. We have beaten India in a World Cup.”
According to Telecom Asia Sport, team manager Naveed Cheema conveyed the PCB’s concerns to Shadab, informing him that his comments had crossed a line during the post-match press conference. “Naveed Cheema called to convey to Shadab that he was out of bounds at the press conference on Wednesday night. Shadab should know that all the former players, including his father-in-law Saqlain Mushtaq, are respectable and Pakistani greats. Shadab should respect them and should not use such language,” the report states.
He further stated that Cheema has been ordered to remind other players to keep their public comments limited to party matters, warning that disciplinary action could be taken if limits are breached.
Shadab’s father-in-law Saqlain Mushtaq also expressed his disappointment. “Those were unwanted comments, and most of the players had played with me. In fact, I am also one of those who did not win an ICC event, but we won several important matches for Pakistan – Tests and ODIs,” Saqlain told Telecom Asia Sport.
Pakistan are scheduled to face New Zealand in their first Super Eight match in Colombo on Saturday. They will then face England in Pallekele on February 24, followed by a clash against Sri Lanka at the same venue four days later.