Former fast bowler Umar Gul made a shocking statement about Shadab Khan’s injury during Pakistan's ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against South Africa in Chennai on October 27.
Gul accused Shadab of playing with the emotions of Pakistanis, as he looked completely fine when the 'Men in Green' were in need of a couple of wickets to beat South Africa in the thrilling match.
However, things once again went against the Pakistan team, as South Africa chased down the target of 271 runs to hand Babar Azam and his team their fourth straight defeat in the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023.
Notably, Shadab suffered a head injury during South Africa’s chase when he dived to save a boundary. Then, the star all-rounder left the field but later made a comeback, eventually being replaced by Usama Mir as a concussion substitute in Chennai.
Umar Gul said on a TV channel: “I don't think Shadab had a serious injury. When one or two wickets were left, he came out on camera to cheer and clap for the team. It just means that you are playing with the emotions of 24 crore Pakistani people. It is not funny.”
Gul added, “He went off and after a while came back. His scans were apparently also clear. I think he took a route to escape from the pressure and action on the field.”
Meanwhile, another former Pakistani pacer Sohail Tanveer agreed with Gul. He said on the show, “We don't know how serious this concussion injury was but the way Shadab first returned to the field then went back on whoever's advice. His presence in the dugout does make one wonder should he not have carried on playing.”
Umar signed off by saying, “I know of players who have batted with broken hands and arms because it was necessary for the team.”
(With PTI Inputs)
