The Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly expressed its unhappiness with Shadab Khan following his pointed remarks about former players during the ongoing World Cup. According to a report, the board has cautioned the all-rounder to be more measured in his language after he responded sharply to criticism surrounding his selection. Shadab had answered his detractors after playing a key role in Pakistan’s 102-run win over Namibia in Colombo on Wednesday, contributing a brisk 22-ball 36 and returning figures of 3-13. Addressing the criticism from ex-cricketers appearing on television panels, he said, “Former cricketers have their own opinions. They (former players) were legends, but even they could not achieve what we have. We have beaten India in a World Cup.”
As per Telecom Asia Sport, team manager Naveed Cheema relayed the PCB’s concerns to Shadab, informing him that his comments had crossed a line during the post-match press conference. “Naveed Cheema has called to convey to Shadab that he was out of his limits in the press conference on Wednesday night. Shadab should know that all former players – including his father-in-law, Saqlain Mushtaq – are respectable and are greats of Pakistan. Shadab should respect them and should not use such language,” the report stated. It further claimed that Cheema has been directed to remind other players to keep their public remarks confined to match matters, warning that disciplinary action could follow if boundaries are breached. Shadab’s father-in-law, Saqlain Mushtaq, also voiced his disappointment. “Those were unwanted comments, and most of the players had played with me. In fact, I am also one of those who have not won an ICC event, but we won several big matches for Pakistan – Tests and ODIs,” Saqlain told Telecom Asia Sport. Pakistan are scheduled to face New Zealand in their first Super Eight fixture in Colombo on Saturday. They will then meet England in Pallekele on February 24, followed by a clash against Sri Lanka at the same venue four days later.
