PCB Issues Formal Warning to Shadab Khan Over ‘Unwanted’ Remarks Targeting Legends
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly issued a formal caution to vice-captain and all-rounder Shadab Khan regarding his conduct during a recent post-match press conference. Management expressed dissatisfaction with Khan’s pointed rebuttal to criticism from former international players, deeming his comments a breach of the respectful conduct expected from national team representatives.
Reports indicate that the PCB intervened after Shadab made sharp comparisons between the current squad’s achievements and those of Pakistan’s cricketing greats. The controversy stems from remarks made following a recent victory, where Shadab addressed media scrutiny surrounding his selection and performance.
The Controversial Remarks
During the press interaction, Shadab defended the current team’s trajectory by highlighting their victory over India in the T20 World Cup—a feat not achieved by previous generations in World Cup play. While intended as a defense of the current squad, the phrasing was perceived as dismissive of past icons.
“Former cricketers have their own opinions,” Shadab stated. “They (former players) were legends, but even they could not achieve what we have. We have beaten India in a World Cup.”
This statement refers to Pakistan’s historic 10-wicket victory over India in the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, a milestone that broke a decades-long losing streak in World Cup fixtures against their arch-rivals.
Management Intervenes
According to sources, Pakistan team manager Naveed Cheema was directed by the board to convey their concerns directly to the all-rounder. Cheema reportedly informed Shadab that his rhetoric had crossed acceptable boundaries.
“Naveed Cheema has called to convey to Shadab that he was out of his limits in the press conference,” a source stated. “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.”
The warning included a broader directive for the squad to restrict public comments to match-related matters, noting that further breaches could lead to disciplinary action.
Saqlain Mushtaq Responds
The situation is complicated by familial ties; Shadab Khan is the son-in-law of legendary spinner Saqlain Mushtaq. Saqlain publicly voiced his disappointment regarding the comments, emphasizing the collective contribution of past players regardless of specific ICC trophy counts.
“Those were unwanted comments, and most of the players had played with me,” Saqlain said. “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.”
Upcoming Fixtures
Pakistan continues their campaign with high-stakes matches scheduled in the Super Eight phase. The team must navigate this internal friction as they prepare for challenging fixtures against New Zealand and England.
| Opponent | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Colombo | Saturday |
| England | Pallekele | February 24 |
| Sri Lanka | Pallekele | February 28 |
Key Facts
- Incident: Shadab Khan reprimanded for comments dismissing former legends’ achievements.
- Key Quote: “Even they could not achieve what we have. We have beaten India in a World Cup.”
- PCB Action: Manager Naveed Cheema issued a verbal warning regarding respect for ex-players.
For official updates on team conduct and schedules, visit the Pakistan Cricket Board Official Site. Comprehensive player statistics can be found on ESPNcricinfo.