Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has sparked controversy following a pointed remark directed at the nation’s cricket legends, leaving many former greats fuming. The friction began after several retired players called for Shadab, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi to be dropped from the T20I squad following a recent defeat to India. In a sharp rebuttal to this criticism, Shadab noted that many of these 'legends' were never able to defeat India in a World Cup match during their own careers, a feat the current core group has successfully achieved.
Even they could not do what we have done: Shadab Khan on Pakistan legends
Shadab’s defense centers on the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he, Babar, and Shaheen were instrumental in Pakistan’s historic victory over their arch-rivals. That win remains Pakistan’s sole triumph against India in any World Cup format. By highlighting this milestone, Shadab sought to validate the current team's pedigree against the track record of their predecessors, though the comment has been perceived by many as a lack of respect toward the game's elders.
"Criticism is not in our hands. Former cricketers have their own opinions. They were legends, but even they could not do what we have done. We have beaten India in a World Cup. Criticism is part of cricket's history," Shadab was quoted as saying by the Pakistan media.
The verbal sparring between Shadab and the cricketing establishment has drawn a sharp response from former Pakistan international Basit Ali. Ali, known for his blunt commentary, did not hold back in his criticism of the all-rounder’s recent remarks. He dismissed Shadab’s defensive stance, signaling that the current player's achievements pale in comparison to the legends he recently targeted.
Shadab jaise das uski jeb mein rehte hain. Abhi to ek hi hai: Basit Ali
In a particularly stinging rebuttal, Ali invoked the legacy of spin maestro Saqlain Mushtaq, who also happens to be Shadab’s father-in-law. Ali remarked that during his prime, a great like Saqlain was of such high caliber that he would have easily outmatched players of Shadab’s profile. This personal and professional comparison highlights the deep divide currently existing between Pakistan's past and present stars.
"Kya Saqlain match winner nahi tha? Saqlain jaisa bowler tha na, Shadab jaise das uski jeb mein rehte hain. Abhi to ek hi hai. Das rehte hain, das. Ye main aapko bata raha hoon," Basit Ali said in a strong retort on a Pakistani TV show.
Basit continued his scathing critique by taking a brutal dig at the current state of the national team’s selection process. He argued that players from the 1990s and early 2000s earned their spots purely through on-field performance rather than through internal recommendations.
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The former cricketer also lashed out at Shadab Khan’s specific contributions during the T20 World Cup, labeling his performances as inconsistent and opportunistic. Ali pointed out that while Shadab is often promoted up the batting order against weaker associate teams to inflate his stats, he struggles significantly against top-tier opponents like India. He went as far as to claim that Shadab’s basic skills, including his fielding, falter under high pressure.
In a final, provocative blow, Ali alleged that Shadab’s continued presence and role in the team are protected by his personal rapport with the leadership. He suggested that a close relationship with head coach Mike Hesson has granted the all-rounder favorable treatment, implying that internal politics—rather than raw data or results—is dictating team strategy.
"90s ke ya 2000 ke jo aap logon ke batch the na, wo sifarish se promote nahi hote the. Bagair performance se team mein nahi aate the. Ke Nabi bhi aayi to chaar number pe batting karne aa gaye, paanch number pe aa gaye, aur jab India aati hai ek over mein 17 run deke fielding bhi nahi hoti hai.
"Koi poochhne wala jo wahan pe journalist baithe hue hain ye bhi to pooche ke aapki performance hai kya? Aap bowling all-rounder ho ya batting all-rounder ho? Bachcha team aati hai to batting ke liye upar bhej dete hain Mike Hesson, kyunki Mike Hesson ke ladlein. Yahan pe Saqlain hota ya Waqar hota ya Inzamam hota, main dekhta kaise bhejte hain isko," Basit Ali concluded.