Kamal Ghorui
Veteran Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has strongly criticised all-rounder Shadab Khan following the latter’s recent comments aimed at former national players. The backlash comes in the wake of Pakistan’s defeat to India in the T20 World Cup, a result that triggered widespread criticism of the Salman Ali Agha-led side.In response to former cricketers questioning the team’s performance, Shadab had pointed out that he had at least been part of a Pakistan side that beat India in an ICC event — something he suggested the previous generation could not accomplish. The remark did not sit well with Shehzad.
Speaking 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.“First of all, you came in through the back door (Ek to aap chor raastey se aaye ho). You’re neither a performer nor a regular in domestic cricket. Despite not performing at all, you’re getting the backing. You didn’t even do rehab after getting injured. They axed Hasan Ali from the central contracts, but not you. If that’s not favoritism, then I don’t know what is. It doesn’t look good when you make such statements. And you’re comparing yourself with the team from the 90s? They had their issues and lost to India in 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 backing they gave you. So, learn to respect your seniors,” said Shehzad.The debate also featured former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir and ex-wicketkeeper Rashid Latif, both of whom weighed in on the controversy.Amir expressed disappointment over Shadab’s timing, suggesting that such remarks were inappropriate during an ongoing tour.“If you’re on tour, there will be criticism. So, you’ve got no right to say such things when you are on tour. Even we used to get criticized during tours, but my focus was to shut those critics up with my performances. So, if you’re not performing, you should keep quiet,” Amir noted.Latif, meanwhile, offered a pointed response of his own.“Shadab should get credit for showing the courage to say what he said. Everyone has the right to speak, so it is okay,” Latif added in a sarcastic tone.
