KARACHI: Pakistan’s all-rounder Shadab Khan, who has been under intense scrutiny in recent months, has spoken out strongly against what he calls “unfair and damaging criticism” from certain former cricketers.
“Legends have performed very well for Pakistan, I’m not talking about them. But there are some former cricketers who, instead of supporting the team in every major event, start pulling it down. This shouldn’t happen. When you yourself didn’t achieve success, how can you criticize others?” Shadab remarked.
The Islamabad United star expressed frustration over colleagues who, after being dropped, allegedly wait for the team to falter before launching attacks.
“It hurts and also makes us angry when some of our colleagues, after being dropped from the team, start saying different things. Sometimes it even feels like such people are waiting for the team to lose so they can criticize. The manner of criticism matters. Instead of sitting on TV, they should come to the ground and guide us,” he said.
Shadab also addressed personal jibes linking him to his father-in-law, former coach Saqlain Mushtaq.
“I don’t discuss criticism with my father-in-law, but in our country it’s like this—if you’re related to someone, people bring it up in everything. I’m tired of saying that I’ve only been married for three years, whereas I had been playing international cricket for 6–7 years before that.”
Turning to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Shadab welcomed the dawn of a new era with expanded competition.
“Many changes have taken place—two new teams have been added, and the owner of a third team has changed. The excitement around the event has increased. Just as the league has progressed over the past 10 years, it will move even further ahead in this new era. With the addition of new teams, the level of competition will increase.”
He highlighted the introduction of the players’ auction system as the biggest change. “As a player, you should also have an understanding of your own value. I also received offers from other franchises, but I’ve said from the very beginning that unless Islamabad United themselves release me, I will not leave this team.”
