"You Came Through the Back Door" — Pakistan Legends Turn on Shadab Khan

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has sparked controversy after responding to criticism from former national cricketers over his team’s loss to India in the T20 World Cup. Shadab remarked that he had at least been part of a Pakistan side that defeated India in an ICC event, a feat he claimed previous generations of players had not achieved. His comments drew sharp rebukes from veterans, including Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Amir, who questioned both his performance and his selection in the national team.

During a televised debate, Ahmed Shehzad accused Shadab of entering the team through “unfair means” and lacking consistent domestic cricket performances. Shehzad said, “First of all, you came in through the back door. You’re neither a performer nor a regular in domestic cricket. Despite not performing, you’re getting the backing. It doesn’t look good when you make such statements.” He further compared Shadab’s team unfavourably to Pakistan sides from the 1990s, noting that earlier teams had dominated India despite facing their own challenges.

Shehzad also criticised Shadab for allegedly avoiding proper rehabilitation after injury and highlighted perceived favouritism in team selections, citing the exclusion of other players like Hasan Ali from central contracts. He urged Shadab to respect senior players and their contributions, emphasising that criticism is part of international tours and should be met with performance rather than public statements.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2026: Brian Bennett Stays Unbeaten With 175 Runs

Mohammad Amir, who retired from international cricket in 2014, joined the critique, asserting that players on tour should refrain from making such remarks. “If you’re on tour, there will be criticism. We used to get criticised too, but my focus was to shut critics up with performances. If you’re not performing, you should keep quiet,” Amir said, emphasising the importance of handling pressure and criticism professionally.

Former wicketkeeper Rashid Latif offered a more sarcastic take, acknowledging Shadab’s courage to speak his mind while hinting at the inappropriateness of the timing and context. Latif’s remarks highlighted the fine line players walk between defending their achievements and maintaining decorum during critical tours. The exchange has fuelled debate among cricket fans and analysts over the role of accountability and respect for senior players in Pakistani cricket.

The controversy underscores ongoing tensions within the Pakistan cricket setup, where performance, selection policies, and public statements often collide. Analysts note that such disputes can affect team morale and international perception, especially during high-profile tournaments against traditional rivals like India. Shadab’s remarks and the subsequent backlash reflect the broader challenges facing current players in balancing individual confidence with team dynamics and public scrutiny.

Also Read: Sanjay Bangar Drops Abhishek Sharma, Flags Three Players Crucial For India