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Pakistan’s spin icons Tauseef Ahmed and Saqlain Mushtaq have been involved in a public controversy over Shadab Khan's selection in the national cricket team. The dispute began after Tauseef Ahmed accused Saqlain Mushtaq of trying to influence the selection of his son-in-law Shadab.
Tauseef made the allegation during an appearance on Fawad Alam's YouTube show. He claimed that the former Pakistan head coach Saqlain had contacted him regarding Shadab's selection and also said that he had phone recordings connected to the matter. Amid this, Mohammad Rizwan in more trouble after fresh NCCIA notice.
Saqlain Mushtaq reveals why he contacted Tauseef Ahmed amid selection controversy
Saqlain Mushtaq has clearly rejected the allegation and has now given a detailed explanation over the controversy. The former coach said that he never had a phone conversation with Tauseef Ahmed and explained that he contacted him only because he respected him as a senior.
Mushtaq said during his latest appearance on ARY News: “I swear to God, I have never spoken to him over the phone in my life. He claimed that he had a recording. Yes, I did call him, but there was a reason behind it. He was saying some things that really hurt me.”
Saqlain recalled his old relationship with Tauseef and said he had always treated him with respect. He also mentioned that he had supported Tauseef during a tough time when the former Pakistan cricketer suffered a heart attack.
The former spinner shared, “He was one of my heroes, so when all this happened, I was genuinely very sad. I did not want to take the matter into the public domain. I thought it would be better to speak to him directly and understand what had happened.”
Saqlain Mushtaq hits back at Tauseef Ahmed
Saqlain revealed that they tried to contact each other several times, but their calls never connected properly. He said their communication happened through missed calls and messages, rather than an actual phone conversation, so his claims regarding Shadab Khan are completely fake. Amid this, Babar Azam crosses limits, snatches & throws fan’s phone after selfie request.
The former Pakistan spinner also claimed that he has messages and screenshots that can prove Tauseef wrong. Saqlain said that he eventually sent Tauseef a voice message after failing to speak with him directly. He also revealed that the incident happened around two years ago, well before Tauseef's recent public allegations.
Saqlain said he was hurt with some of Tauseef's comments about him and wanted to discuss the issue privately. He also made it clear that he never contacted Tauseef to demand Shadab's selection, and he just wanted to address the issue respectfully.
Saqlain Mushtaq breaks silence on Shadab Khan selection row
Mushtaq further denied ever trying to influence the selection of Shadab or any other Pakistan player. He said that even when he was the chief selector and head coach of the Pakistan side, his focus remained on developing players and coaches.
He said, “I have never called anyone to influence a selection decision. I never did that for Shadab or anyone else. When I was the head coach and later the head of the NHPC, I had a lot of authority, but I always made it clear to the coaches that player development was a very important responsibility.”
Saqlain Mushtaq reveals Shadab Khan’s stance in selection controversy
The discussion also turned towards Shadab and whether the controversy could affect him. Saqlain said players are human beings and naturally have emotions, so it would be difficult to say that such public issues have no impact.
Saqlain also noted that Shadab was already playing for Pakistan and was already the team's vice-captain before the star all-rounder married his daughter.
Mushtaq signed off by saying, “I never spoke to him about these matters, and he never spoke to me about them either. He has always maintained his own position and protected his reputation.”
Saqlain Mushtaq appears to be speaking the truth here. Unfortunately, Tauseef Ahmed has a history of making what I see as baseless accusations and unfairly criticizing current Pakistani cricketers. Criticism is fair but it should be backed by facts. pic.twitter.com/cVkrGEdxZ3
— Pakistan Cricket Team USA FC (@DoctorofCricket) October 1, 2026
