The Pakistan Cricket Board is not amused. Star all-rounder Shadab Khan faces backlash after mocking former players in a post-match rant following Pakistan’s 102-run demolition of Namibia. Shadab’s heroics—36 runs and three wickets for 19—were overshadowed by his bold press conference jabs.
He dismissed critics questioning his spot, saying, ‘Legends or not, they didn’t match our feats, like our World Cup win over India.’ PCB officials, via team manager Naveed Cheema, swiftly rebuked him, urging restraint especially toward icons like Saqlain Mushtaq, his father-in-law.
A source close to the matter disclosed, ‘Cheema called Shadab to say he overstepped. Respect former greats—no negative language.’ The board’s message to all players: confine remarks to cricket, or risk action.
Saqlain didn’t hold back: ‘Unwarranted comments from someone I know well. We won plenty for Pakistan.’ Kamran Akmal warned, ‘Be cautious criticizing predecessors.’
Media handling has been ultra-cautious. No player appeared publicly for two straight days pre-India clash. During Usman Tariq’s Namibia briefing, manager Naeem Gilani shut down an India-related query, referencing coach Mike Hesson’s earlier response.
As Super-8 intensifies, Pakistan meets New Zealand Saturday in Colombo, England on February 24 in Pallekele, and Sri Lanka soon after. For Shadab, it’s a lesson in humility amid rising expectations.