Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali criticized all-rounder Shadab Khan after his comments about India. On February 15, India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs, attracting backlash from former players who called for dropping Shaheen Shah Afridi and Babar Azam.
In response, Shadab targeted former cricketers, noting they have never won against India in World Cups.
The only win for Pakistan against India occurred during the 2021 T20 World Cup, where Shadab played. Basit was not pleased with Shadab’s remarks, suggesting they were a jab at his father-in-law, Saqlain Mushtaq.
“You shouldn’t say such things to your father-in-law,” Basit remarked. He criticized Shadab’s performance against India, claiming he only excels against weaker teams like Namibia. He emphasized that Saqlain was a superior player compared to some current cricketers and noted that many players today are in the team due to recommendations.
“Saqlain could outperform ten bowlers like Shadab. Players from the 90s and 2000s earned their spots based on talent, not recommendations. When facing Namibia, he is ready to bat in the middle order, but against India, he conceded 17 runs in an over. Journalists should be asking these questions. Mike Hesson supports him; otherwise, he wouldn’t be batting higher in the order,” he concluded.
