Khushdil Shah openly accepts 'Parchi' claim!! Himself admits shock over Pakistan selection in Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah has admitted he was surprised to be included in the squad for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and Dubai. The 30-year-old batter acknowledged his recent poor form and stated that even he is unsure how he secured a spot in the Pakistan team.

Khushdil was the top scorer for Pakistan in their Champions Trophy match against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. Batting at No. 7, he played a crucial knock of 69 runs off 49 balls, hitting 10 fours and one six. Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat in their tournament opener at the National Stadium.

Didn't Know How I Got Into the Team - Khushdil Shah

Khushdil Shah admitted he was surprised by his selection, stating that even he doesn’t know how he made it into the team. He added that he had been out of favor with the selectors for the past two years.

“I myself didn’t know how I got into the team because I have been out of favor with the selectors for two years now," Khushdil said on Wednesday night.

Khushdil made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in November 2020. He has played only 14 one-day internationals and has not featured in a T20I since October 2023.

He struggled with both bat and ball in the recent tri-series involving New Zealand and South Africa but was still included in Pakistan’s playing XI for their Champions Trophy opener.

The Chants of 'Parchi Parchi' Wouldn’t Have Been Heard - Khushdil Shah

The left-arm spinner also responded to criticism from fans who often call him a 'Parchi,' a term implying he was selected based on favoritism rather than merit. However, he stated that he does not take the criticism personally, as it is impossible to control public opinion.

"If I were playing for my personal score, the chants of 'parchi parchi' wouldn’t have been heard today. I have never played cricket for myself. My focus has always been on contributing to the team’s success. I try to score without caring about my wicket,” Khushdil said.

"People have been chanting slogans at me for two years now. It has become a habit for me. I even tell them, 'Go on, chant some more,'"

Naseem and I Were Discussing That If... - Khushdil Shah

Khushdil Shah said that he did not lose hope while chasing a 321-run target. After the batting lineup collapsed, he and Naseem Shah aimed to extend the match to the final over. Khushdil stated that he did his best to keep Pakistan in the game alongside Naseem.

"Naseem and I were discussing that if we could take the game to the last over, we could win it," Khsuhdil revealed.

After suffering a defeat against New Zealand in front of their home crowd, the Pakistan team will now shift focus to Dubai for their second Group A match against India. The highly anticipated clash between the two rivals will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 23.

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