Shadab reminded the former cricketers that they defeated India in a Word Cup match.
The outcome left the Pakistan cricket fraternity heartbroken, with many former cricketers calling for senior players to be dropped from the team.
After the Men in Green won the last Group A clash against Namibia by 102 runs to qualify for Super 8s on Wednesday (February 18), all-rounder Shadab Khan hit back at the critics, reminding that they defeated India in a Word Cup match unlike many former cricketers.
“Criticism is not in our hands. Former cricketers have their own opinions. They were legends, but even they could not do what we have done. We have beaten India in a World Cup,” Shadab said while speaking to the media after Namibia game.
Shadab stressed focusing on the bigger goal rather than dwelling on a single defeat. “There has been too much talk about one match. It was a big game and we should have won it. We made mistakes that should not have happened. But our goal is to win the World Cup and we are following our process,” he added.
According to Shadab, Pakistan are moving in the right direction and must continue the positives, especially with the bat.
“We are on the right track. We need to continue the good things we have been doing. Our batting must carry on in the same way. Sahibzada Farhan is in good form,” Shadab remarked.
The 2009 champions will play New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka in the Super 8 round, and Shadab acknowledged that the competition will be fierce.
“The Super Eight will be difficult. These will be high-pressure matches. Ramadan has begun, and it will be like our 12th player,” he concluded.