Srinagar: Pakistan former pacer Umar Gul has claimed that all-rounder Shadab Khan faked injury to escape pressure situation in order to save himself during Pakistan’s crunch match vs South Africa in World Cup 2023 on Friday.
During the second innings of the match, Shadab Khan suffered a blow to the head while fielding a ground ball. He briefly left the field for medical attention but later returned. However, he was eventually replaced by Usama Mir as a concussion substitute.
“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,” Umar Gul said while speaking in a programe.
“It was an important game and as a senior, you had to be there on the pitch. There are many examples when players have continued to play in spite of broken hands as they chose to fight for the sake of the team. I don’t agree with Shadab. I don’t think he had a serious injury,” he further added.
Shadab’s replacement, Usama Mir took two crucial wickets, including that of set batsman Aiden Markram.
Pakistan’s next match in the World Cup is set to take place against Bangladesh in Kolkata on Tuesday.