The Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly expressed displeasure with Shadab Khan for his harsh remarks against former players during the World Cup. The board has reportedly warned the all-rounder to be more careful with his language after he gave a sharp response to criticism surrounding his selection.
Shadab played a key role in Pakistan’s 102-run win over Namibia in Colombo on Wednesday, hitting back at his critics with a superb performance of 22 off 36 balls, taking 3-13. Talking about the criticism of former cricketers appearing on TV panels, he said: “Ex-cricketers have their point of view. They (former players) are legends but even they could not achieve what we have achieved. We beat India in the World Cup.”
According to Telecom Sports Asia, team manager Naveed Cheema conveyed the PCB’s concerns to Shadab and told him that his remarks at the post-match press conference had crossed the line. The report said: “Naveed Cheema called Shadab to say that he had gone beyond his limits during Wednesday night’s press conference. Shadab should know that all former players – including his father-in-law Saqlan Mushtaq – are respected and are great men of Pakistan. Shadab should respect them and should not use such language.”
It also claimed Cheema had been instructed to remind other players to limit public comments to match matters, warning that disciplinary action could be taken if boundaries were breached.
Shadab’s father-in-law Saqlan Mushtaq also expressed his disappointment. “These are unpopular comments and most of the players I have played with have played with me. In fact, I am also one of those who have not won an ICC event but we have won several important matches for Pakistan – Tests and ODIs,” Sakran told Telecom Asia Sports.
Pakistan are scheduled to face New Zealand in their first Super Eights match in Colombo on Saturday. They will face England at Palleke on February 24 and Sri Lanka four days later at the same venue.
