ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad has stirred a fresh controversy by asserting that the national T20 team management deliberately made room for all-rounder Shadab Khan at the expense of promising pacer Sufiyan Muqeem. Shehzad’s remarks, delivered during a private sports broadcast, have reignited discussions surrounding the selection policies and the influence of coaching staff on team composition.
Shehzad argued that Sufiyan Muqeem, who has been showing potential in domestic circuits, was unfairly dropped to ensure Shadab Khan’s inclusion in the playing XI. He further pointed out that Abrar Ahmed, another highly ranked T20 bowler, was also sidelined despite his impressive performances and rankings. Shehzad, this selection approach is detrimental to the team’s overall balance and performance.
“The team is suffering because of the coach,” Shehzad commented, emphasizing that if Sufiyan had been given a chance, Shadab’s spot in the side would have been under serious threat. He highlighted a significant performance gap between Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan, suggesting that meritocracy is being compromised. These claims have added fuel to the ongoing debate about the fairness and transparency of Pakistan’s cricket selection process.
Adding to the discourse, former fast bowler Mohammad Amir shared his perspective by recalling his own experience under coach Mickey Arthur. Amir noted that despite being a favorite of the coach initially, his failure to perform in the Asia Cup led to his exclusion from the subsequent Test series. This anecdote was used to underline how performance remains a critical factor in team selection, irrespective of favoritism.
Meanwhile, ex-cricketer Abdur Rauf offered insight into the challenges foreign coaches face when adapting to Pakistan’s cricket environment. He explained that coaches often apply different selection criteria in their home countries, which tend to shift when they take charge of Pakistan’s team. This inconsistency, Rauf suggested, contributes to confusion and dissatisfaction among players and fans alike.
The controversy comes in the wake of Pakistan’s narrow defeat to England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match held on February 24. England chased down a target of 165 with just two wickets remaining, largely thanks to an explosive century by Harry Brook. The loss has sparked intense scrutiny of Pakistan’s team strategy and individual performances.
Critics have been vocal about several aspects of Pakistan’s game during the match. Babar Azam’s slow batting tempo was widely criticized for putting pressure on the middle order. Shadab Khan’s all-round performance also came under fire, particularly for conceding too many runs during the crucial middle overs when Pakistan needed to tighten the screws on England’s batting lineup. Observers argued that his inability to contain the scoring rate allowed Harry Brook to settle comfortably and eventually dominate the innings.
Furthermore, analysts pointed out that Shadab Khan’s recent form has been inconsistent, especially his leg-spin bowling, which has failed to make a significant impact even on turning pitches like those at Pallekele. This inconsistency has raised questions about his continued selection over other in-form players such as Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem, who have demonstrated promising skills in recent matches.
As the debate continues, the Pakistan cricket fraternity remains divided over the best approach to team selection and the role of coaching staff in shaping the squad. With the T20 World Cup progressing, the pressure is mounting on the management to make strategic decisions that balance experience with emerging talent, ensuring Pakistan remains competitive on the global stage.
