The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its dissatisfaction with Shadab Khan because he used offensive language toward former players in his post-match comments, which the all-rounder must now control during the World Cup. Shadab responded to the criticism of his team selection which former players made on television according to sources who spoke to Telecom Asia Sport. “Former cricketers have their own opinions,” said Shadab after scoring a 22-ball 36 and taking 3-13 during Pakistan’s 102-run victory over Namibia in Colombo on Wednesday. “They (former players) were legends, but even they could not achieve what we have. We have beaten India in a World Cup,” he added.
The PCB through team manager Naveed Cheema told the all-rounder that he should not use harsh words against former greats. 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,” sources told Telecom Asia Sport.
The report said that Cheema has also been instructed to advise other players to keep their comments restricted to the match and not cross the line, or action will be taken against them. Shadab’s father-in-law Saqlain Mushtaq has expressed his disapproval of the comments made. “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.
The former player Kamran Akmal stated that Shadab made unnecessary comments through his remarks. “Saying such words against former players warrants caution,” Kamran was quoted as saying in the report.
The Pakistan team management has been cautious about sending players for pre- and post-match media interactions. The team did not show any players for two days before their crucial match against India.
The media manager prohibited Usman Tariq from responding to a question about his 11th over usage during the India match when he attended Namibia’s pre-match media session. “Tariq will not answer this as head coach Mike Hesson has responded to this question after the India game,” media manager Naeem Gillani was quoted as saying in the report.
Pakistan plays New Zealand in their first Super Eight match which takes place on Saturday in Colombo. The team will compete against England in Pallekele on February 24 and face Sri Lanka at the same location four days later.
