Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has urged all-rounder Shadab Khan to answer critics not with words, but through performance on the field, ahead of the team’s upcoming World Cup fixtures.
Pakistan cricket has recently seen a heated exchange between ex-players and current stars, with Shadab Khan at the centre of the debate. The all-rounder fired back at criticism after helping Pakistan defeat Namibia to secure a Super Eight spot in the T20 World Cup, pointing out that his generation has managed a rare World Cup victory over India—something former players never achieved.
Afridi, however, insisted that Shadab focus on delivering results rather than verbal replies. Speaking on Sama TV, he said:
“Shadab is absolutely right. We didn’t beat India in the World Cup. They did, and earned respect, but they couldn’t sustain it. After 2021, when they achieved something, they couldn’t handle their internal issues. Shadab should also remember that when he wasn’t performing, we stood by him on TV, saying he is the backbone of the team.”
Afridi highlighted that former players faced criticism too, and always responded with performances against major opponents.
“Even when we were criticised, we never targeted small teams. We responded against big teams. Shadab, son, show your performance! Perform on the field. In tough times we supported you, and even without much domestic cricket, you made the national team. Now respond through your performance, and after the World Cup, we will remain silent observers.”
Shadab’s comments have also drawn criticism from other ex-players. 1990s star batsman Basit Ali reminded Shadab of the influence of his father-in-law, former off-spinner Saklain Mushtaq, who was a prolific match-winner. Ali said:
“He shouldn’t have commented on his father-in-law. Saklain was a match-winner; Shadab doesn’t have even ten of such matches. In the 90s, team selection was based purely on performance. Journalists should ask Shadab whether he is a bowling or batting all-rounder.”
According to Pakistani media, the Pakistan Cricket Board has also warned Shadab over his remarks about former players.
