Saqlain Mushtaq in a fresh controversy [Source: x]Pakistan legend Saqlain Mushtaq has reacted to the explosive allegations levelled against him by fellow former cricketer Tauseef Ahmed. In a recent interview, Tauseef claimed that Saqlain had once threatened him over the inclusion of all-rounder Shadab Khan in the team.It is worth noting that Shadab also happens to be Saqlain's son-in-law, with Tauseef's serious allegations adding to the scrutiny surrounding Pakistan cricket amid previous allegations of nepotism.Tauseef Ahmed accuses Saqlain Mushtaq of threatening himFormer Pakistan cricketer Tauseef Ahmed has accused legendary ex-spin bowler Saqlain Mushtaq of threatening him to pick Shadab Khan in the team.Tauseef, who has previously served Pakistan cricket’s circle as a coach, even claimed that he has a phone recording as proof against Saqlain. Ash @Ashsay_ Another entertainment from #Pakistancricket Tauseef Ahmed claims he has a recording of Saqlain Mushtaq allegedly trying to influence him to pick Shadab Khan 👀🍿 Sep 19, 2026, 11:48 AM Saqlain Mushtaq challenges Tauseef with explosive remarkSaqlain Mushtaq has since taken to his X account to personally challenge Tauseef Ahmed for his controversial remarks. Also Read- Saqlain Mushtaq, Mohammad Hafeez Throw Verbal Punches At Each Other On Live TVThe legendary Pakistan spinner urged Ahmed to release the call recording in public, and claimed that he himself has a recording of his own. Mushtaq further asked Tauseef not to “twist the facts” during his public speeches and interviews.Mushtaq wrote, “Mr. Tauseef Ahmed, you said you have my voice message—prove it. Release it publicly. I called you out of respect, because I respected you as a senior. Don’t lie, don’t hide, and don’t twist the facts. I have the full record too. Release yours, and I’ll release mine. Let the public hear the truth.”Tauseef Ahmed and Saqlain Mushtaq feud rocks Pakistan cricket againWith Tauseef Ahmed and Saqlain Mushtaq trading serious allegations over the inclusion of Shadab Khan, the latest controversy has once again brought Pakistan cricket's internal issues into the spotlight.Notably, Pakistan cricket has already faced accusations of nepotism in the past, making the allegations surrounding Shadab Khan's selection particularly contentious.Previously, Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has been at the centre of nepotism allegations, given his familial connection to former captain and ex-chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. Explosive wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has also faced scrutiny over his underwhelming returns and fitness concerns, given his father Moin Khan's prominent history with Pakistan cricket.When Saqlain Mushtaq defended Shadab KhanEven though Saqlain has openly challenged Tauseef Ahmed and asked him to prove his allegations, the former Pakistan spinner has previously expressed his favouritism towards his son-in-law, Shadab Khan. Just earlier this year during the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, where Shadab returned with underwhelming numbers in both aspects of the game, Saqlain defended the all-rounder and pinned the blame on Pakistan coach Mike Hesson instead. Comparing Shadab Khan with India’s Axar Patel and New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner on a television sports show, Saqlain said, “Mike Hesson didn't use Shadab properly and demanded too much from him in both batting and bowling. look at how many wickets Axar Patel or Santner took? it's not Shadab's fault, it's the coach’s fault for not using him properly.”Salman. @TsMeSalman1_ Saqlain Mushtaq said, "Mike Hesson didn't use Shadab properly and demanded too much from him in both batting and bowling. look at how many wickets Axar Patel or Santner took? it's not Shadab's fault, it's the coach’s fault for not using him properly." Mar 1, 2026, 5:07 AM The latest controversy once again highlights the intense scrutiny surrounding Pakistan cricket, where questions over team selection, internal disagreements and the influence of former players continue to spark heated debates.Also Read- VVS Laxman At Loggerheads With Gambhir, Shubman Gill Over This India Star
