PCB warns Shadab Khan for derogatory comment in presser:Board likely to take action further; Shadab says, ‘What we did, legends couldn’t do’

Pakistan cricket team’s star all-rounder Shadab Khan has faced displeasure from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) due to his statement. The board considered his statement inappropriate regarding his criticism of former players after the 61-run loss against India in the T20 World Cup 2026. The board has advised Shadab to control his language while giving him instructions. This whole matter started after the press conference following the match against Namibia on Wednesday. Shadab had said – What we did, even legends couldn’t do
After scoring 36 runs and taking 3 wickets against Namibia, Shadab Khan had targeted former players. He said, ‘Former cricketers have their own opinions. They were legends, but what we did, they couldn’t do. We have defeated India in the World Cup.’ Shadab was referring to the 2021 T20 World Cup victory, in which he was part of the team. He further said that criticism is part of cricket history. PCB warns Shadab Khan through team manager
According to news agency IANS, PCB expressed its displeasure to Shadab through team manager Naveed Cheema. Cheema called Shadab and told him that he had crossed his limits in the press conference. He was reminded that all former players including his father-in-law Saqlain Mushtaq are Pakistan legends and deserve respect. The board has made it clear that players should avoid using such language. Warning issued for other 15-member squad as well
The board has not only warned Shadab but advised the entire team. Team managers have been instructed to explain to all players that they should limit their comments only to the match. If any player crosses the line again, the board may take strict action against them. Former cricketer Kamran Akmal also called Shadab’s statement unnecessary and said that caution should be exercised while speaking against veterans. Team management strict on media interactions
Pakistan team management is currently very cautious about media interactions. Until two days before the crucial match with India, the management did not send any player before the media. When Usman Tariq was asked about his bowling against India before the match with Namibia, media manager Naeem Gilani stopped him from answering. He argued that head coach Mike Hesson had already clarified this matter. Pakistan to face New Zealand in Super-8
After losing to India and securing a 102-run victory over Namibia, Pakistan now has its sights set on the Super-8 round. Pakistan will play its first Super-8 match against New Zealand in Colombo on Saturday. This will be followed by matches against England on February 24 in Pallekele and Sri Lanka on February 28. The team will try to stay in the race for semifinals by putting aside the ongoing controversies off the field.