COLOMBO – Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has responded to criticism from former cricketers following the team’s defeat to India. Speaking after Pakistan’s dominant win over Namibia, Shadab emphasized that the team remains focused on lifting the T20 World Cup trophy.
At a press conference, Shadab Khan addressed concerns about his performance and the scrutiny surrounding the India loss. “Everyone has their own opinion and can say whatever they want. I’ve had an over that got a lot of criticism, but I’m not going to justify it. There are things I can control,” he said. “Sometimes you have a bad day, a bad over. It’s T20 cricket. You can give away runs, you can get wickets. I don’t really think too much about these things.”
He acknowledged the contributions of Pakistan’s cricket legends but pushed back on their critiques. “Ex-cricketers have their own opinions. They’ve done great things for Pakistan. But even in World Cups, they’ve had similar moments. We were the ones who beat India in the 2021 World Cup,” Shadab added. He highlighted that historical records show no team consistently defeats India in World Cups, underscoring his point that individual legends cannot be compared to the current squad’s efforts.
Reflecting on the India defeat, Shadab said the team’s focus is on the bigger picture. “A lot is being said about one match. We should have won that match. But our focus is not on one game; it is on winning the World Cup.” He also praised his teammates for their performance against Namibia. Despite the 102-run victory, Pakistan did not take the game lightly.
In that match, Sahibzada Farhan scored a brilliant maiden T20I century, powering Pakistan to 199. Namibia could only manage 97 in response. Usman Tariq led the bowling with four wickets for 16 runs, while Shadab Khan himself claimed three wickets for 19 runs, showcasing his all-round contribution.
Looking ahead, Shadab stressed that the Super 8 stage will bring challenging matches and pressure-filled conditions. “Modern T20 cricket demands all-rounders. We’re sticking to our process and not over-experimenting,” he said. Pakistan now opens the Super 8 stage against New Zealand on February 21.
In other news read more about Sahibzada Farhan Stuns Cricket Fans with Rare T20 World Cup Century
Shadab Khan’s comments underline Pakistan’s resilience and focus as they aim for T20 World Cup glory.
