Shadab Khan responds after Umar Gul apologises for World Cup injury remark

Shadab Khan has reacted after former pacer Umar Gul apologized for his remarks made about the all-rounder during the 2023 ODI World Cup match against South Africa. 

Gul, in an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, publicly apologized to Shadab Khan for questioning his injury during the World Cup.

"After the PSL, I approached him [Shadab] immediately because the real story was that he had suffered from concussion twice in a year, and the third time it occurred during the World Cup. The doctor advised rest to prevent any serious consequences," Gul said.

"When I found out about it and when I met him for the first time in the training camp, I went straight to him and apologized. I said, 'Shadab, it was never my intention to hurt you, and obviously being a Pakistani, I felt at that time that the team needed you.' So, for the team's requirement, I said this, otherwise Shadab is a great guy and we have good relations, our families have good relations too, but obviously I felt by the statement I had given, and I apologized to Shadab for it," he added.

In response to Cricket Pakistan's post on social media platform 'X', Shadab showed a positive gesture, indicating that the issue has been resolved amicably.

“It takes a brave man to accept his mistake. Respect you Gulli bhai. Always stay happy,” Shadab quoted on Cricket Pakistan's post.

While talking on a local sports channel, Gul had expressed his skepticism about Shadab's injury during the crucial World Cup match.

“We don’t know what kind of injury he has sustained, but questions arise when you fall, claim to have a concussion, escape from the team, and go outside. The physio checks you, and then after a while, you come out. There, you chat with people and then leave. When the match gets tight, and you realize it is going in our favor, you sit outside in the dugout, cheering. It means you’ve made an excuse; you’ve saved yourself. So people will definitely question it,” Gul had said.