Shadab deserves fair treatment

Pakistan’s dramatic win offers hope, but consistent performances and responsible selection remain essential

KARACHI: Social media was flooded with criticism of Shadab Khan preceding Pakistan’s dramatic victory over England. Questions were raised about Sufyan Muqeem’s exclusion, Arafat Minhas not being given a bowl, and whether Shadab was being selected because of his father-in-law, Saqlain Mushtaq, and former Islamabad United coach Mike Hesson.

After Pakistan’s top order collapsed, I had barely five per cent hope of victory. I went out for dinner, keeping an eye on the score. When Shadab and Haris Rauf put together a partnership, I began watching on my mobile before returning home to see the thrilling finish. It was undoubtedly one of Pakistan cricket’s finest victories.

I have known Shadab since before his international debut. While I was in England, an acquaintance told me about an exceptionally talented young all-rounder who could represent Pakistan. That prediction came true, and Shadab played a key role in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy triumph.

No cricketer can perform consistently in every match. Like others, Shadab has experienced ups and downs, with fitness issues affecting his form and forcing him out of the team. Unlike players backed by aggressive public relations campaigns, he has no constant social media cheerleading to portray him as a hero regardless of his performances.

Expectations among Pakistani fans are high, yet Faheem Ashraf rarely faces the same level of scrutiny despite producing few outstanding performances. Shadab, meanwhile, remains a frequent target. The criticism intensified after his marriage to Saqlain Mushtaq’s daughter, with people using insulting nicknames such as “Damad Khan”.

Having known both men, I am confident Saqlain would never have asked anyone to select Shadab, nor would Shadab have sought his father-in-law’s influence. Online abuse has placed the all-rounder under immense pressure, forcing him repeatedly to defend himself.

Social media has eroded restraint. People who might hesitate to confront someone face-to-face readily post insults from behind their phones. Players deserve criticism for poor performances, but personal attacks are unacceptable. Artificial intelligence, meanwhile, is transforming healthcare and other fields worldwide, yet some people use it to target and ridicule others.

Shaheen Afridi faces similar treatment over his relationship with his father-in-law, Shahid Afridi. Despite Pakistan’s encouraging ODI performances under his leadership and his own wicket-taking form, the taunts continue.

Pakistan’s latest victory offers hope ahead of next year’s World Cup in South Africa. The team’s ability to fight back after losing nine wickets against England has revived optimism. Shadab’s reprieve on review, when replays showed the ball had hit his bat before his pads, proved decisive.

However, one remarkable win cannot hide persistent top-order failures. Shadab cannot rescue Pakistan with a century every time; every player must contribute. The team must also improve its balance, with Saim Ayub struggling to justify his place. Selectors should give deserving young players a genuine opportunity.

Poor results have also damaged public interest in ODI cricket, with several stands remaining empty during matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Consistent performances are essential to win back disappointed fans.

The PCB should confirm Shaheen as captain until the World Cup, ending uncertainty and allowing the team to focus. If senior and junior players maintain their form, Pakistan could break its cycle of early exits from ICC tournaments.

Let us hope the team builds on this victory, restores supporters’ confidence and gives the country more reasons to celebrate.