Saqlain Mushtaq (L) and Mohammad Hafeez (R) in a heated argument over Shadab Khan (Source: X)
Former Pakistan cricketers Saqlain Mushtaq and Mohammad Hafeez were involved in a heated exchange over all-rounder Shadab Khan. It all happened after Pakistan faced a two-wicket defeat against England in the all-important Super-8 clash in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
Speaking of Shadab Khanâs performance in the game against England, he scored 23 runs off 11 balls, hitting four fours, but failed to live up to the expectations with his bowling. Shadab bowled three overs and ended up conceding 31 runs at an economy rate of 10.33.
Hereâs what unfolded between Saqlain Mushtaq and Mohammad Hafeez over Shadab Khan
After England outplayed the Men in Green in Pallekele, the former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez questioned Shadab Khanâs place in the playing XI. However, Hafeezâs criticism of Shadab Khan didnât sit well with the latterâs father-in-law and former Pakistan spinner, Saqlain Mushtaq.
âIs he a batting all-rounder or a bowling all-rounder?â asked Mohammad Hafeez about Shadab Khan while directly addressing Saqlain Mushtaq during PTV Sportsâ show Game On Hai.
âHe is a bit of both. You can't talk about him in that manner,â Saqlain Mushtaq replied promptly, dismissing Mohammad Hafeezâs remarks about his son-in-law.
Mohammad Hafeez: What is his preference?
Saqlain Mushtaq: I feel he is equally good at batting and bowling.
Mohammad Hafeez: Then why not use him at No. 5
Saqlain Mushtaq: He has been. In fact, when I was with the Pakistan team, I made him bat at number five. He has the potential.
Mohammad Hafeez: So, he is a batsman who can bowl? What is his priority?
Saqlain Mushtaq: If he can win you matches both with the bat and the ball, that means you are equally good.
Hafeez (Concluding): I have played for Pakistan as an all-rounder. My primary job was batting. For [Mohammad] Nawaz, it is bowling. Same for Shadab Khan, and if he canât do that, donât want him.
Also Read: Ahmed Shehzad Calls Shadab Khan 'Chor' On Live TV; Gives Pakistan Player Belt Treatment
Shadab Khanâs slump continues from T20 World Cup 2024
Notably, Shadab Khanâs place in Pakistanâs playing XI has been under the scanner owing to his poor run of form with the ball since the T20 World Cup 2024. The 27-year-old has scalped just 16 wickets in 18 innings, at an expensive economy rate of 8.07 and a bowling average of 27.25.
In the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, Shadab has scalped just five wickets in five innings at an economy rate of 7.43 and an expensive bowling strike rate of 19.20.
On the other hand, his batting outings have also not been very impressive in the last three years. In this span, he has scored 526 runs in 30 innings at a âbelow parâ batting average of 20.23, without any century or half-century.
Semi-Final qualification scenario for Pakistan after defeat against England
After the two-wicket defeat against England in the crucial Super-8 game, Pakistan are now on the brink of an exit from the T20 World Cup 2026. However, there are still some mathematical possibilities of Pakistanâs qualification to the semi-finals.
Firstly, the game against Sri Lanka will be a must-win game for Pakistan to stay alive in the tournament. Secondly, they will also have to rely on the result of New Zealandâs remaining games in the Super-8 games. If the Blackcaps lose both of their remaining matches, Pakistan will qualify for the semi-finals on points.
In case the Kiwis win one of their two matches, then the qualification will depend on the new run rate. So, it translates into the fact that Pakistan will have to beat Sri Lanka by a bigger margin to stay in contention. Hence, all for Pakistan is now to win their game and hope for suitable results in the other games.
Also Read- Rinku Singh Family Emergency- Update Arrives On IND vs ZIM Participation
