Saqlain defends Shadab after T20 World Cup criticism as Hafeez questions his role

Following Pakistan’s defeat to England cricket team in the T20 World Cup, a heated debate broke out on state television over Shadab Khan’s role in the national side.

The discussion saw former all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez and former spinner Saqlain Mushtaq — who is also Shadab’s father-in-law — go head-to-head.

At the centre of the debate was the question of Shadab’s primary role in the team.

Hafeez argued that uncertainty surrounding Shadab’s core responsibility was affecting team balance.

He said it must be made clear whether Shadab is being considered a batting all-rounder or a bowling all-rounder, as performance should be judged accordingly.

Saqlain, however, came out strongly in Shadab’s defence.

He maintained that the all-rounder has played match-winning innings with the bat on several occasions and that labelling him solely as a bowling all-rounder would be unfair and restrictive.

In response, Hafeez cited his own career as an example, saying every all-rounder must understand his primary responsibility. “My captain used to tell me that if I didn’t score runs, my bowling would not be needed,” he remarked.

According to Hafeez, clarity of role at international level is essential for sustained success.

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