All-rounder Shadab Khan has come under fire from former Pakistani bowler Umar Gul for leaving the field at a critical moment in the team’s World Cup encounter against South Africa in Chennai. Pakistan virtually exited the competition on Friday after losing for the fourth time in a row. Shadab suffered a knock to the head while diving to stop the ball during the South African innings. He left for a little while and then came back. He was quickly removed from the game, though, and Usama Mir took his place as a concussion substitute. Scroll down to read Umar Gul Accused All-Rounder Shadab Khan Of Faking Injury.
Umar Gul Accused All-Rounder Shadab Khan Of Faking Injury
Umar claimed on a TV channel that it is not funny. He said, “I don’t believe Shadab suffered a significant wound. He appeared on television to applaud and shout for the squad when just one or two wickets were remaining. It only indicates that you are manipulating the feelings of 24 crore Pakistanis.”
Sohail Tanvir and Umar Gul accuse Shadab Khan of 'running away' and that his injury didn't look serious pic.twitter.com/JIYC1HLl9c
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Shadab sustained a concussion while fielding at mid-off, but Umar didn’t think it was severe enough to require him to leave the game.
The former pacer claimed, “He left and returned after some time. It seemed that his scans were clear as well. I believe he chose a way out of the pressure and action on the field.”
In an exciting match that SA won by one wicket, effectively eliminating Pakistan’s aspirations of making it to the semi-finals, Mir finished with two wickets.
Sohail Tanvir, a former Test bowler, observed that the Chennai crowd was particularly supportive of the Pakistan team’s impressive efforts.
Tanveer was more circumspect in his remarks, although he agreed with Gul’s accusation.
“The extent of Shadab’s concussion injury is unknown, but given his history of returning to the field after seeking counsel from others, it is concerning. It does make one wonder whether he shouldn’t have continued to play given his presence in the dugout. I know of players who have batted with broken hands and arms because it was necessary for the team,” Umar said.
