Shadab Khan Requests Shahid Afridi's Assistance With Special Message 'Lala, I'd Like To Bring You To Camp'

Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi revealed about his conversation with Shadab Khan. He said that the leg-spinner told him that he needed him in the team’s camp to work on his bowling going into the ICC World Cup 2023.

Pakistan’s vice-captain Shahdab Khan has been under the scanner for a while. The all-rounder has failed to perform with both bat and ball in the last few months and has faced a lot of criticism for his performances. There were even reports that his leadership role is under scanner.

Shadab Khan was taken to the cleaners with the ball in almost every game in the Asia Cup 2023. His worst performance came against India as Rohit Sharma smashed him all over the park and gave him the worst nightmare. Also with the bat, he failed terribly and questions have been raised about him.

There were many reports about his omission from the squad but PCB backed him for the ICC World Cup 2023. However, going into the tournament, he will be one of the biggest concerns for Pakistan as he hasn’t been able to check the run flow and pick wickets in the middle overs.

Shahid Afridi while talking about Shahdab Khan highlighted that the team needs to keep a spin bowling coach. He pointed out the importance of taking wickets in middle overs.

He explained: “When you have a fielding and batting coach, and a fast bowling coach is also there, why not a spin bowling coach? Spinners’ role is the most important, remember that. Middle-overs are very important, because the opposition’s main batters are playing at the time. You have to pick wickets and maintain run-rate.”

I want to bring you to the camp – Shadab Khan’s request to Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi further revealed that when Shadab Khan came to his daughter’s marriage, he had a conversation with him about his bowling. He added that he told leg-spinner that he’s always available for him.

He explained: “We haven’t had the desired performances there. When Shadab came to the wedding, I talked to him, and told him whenever he need help, you have Mushi bhai, you have me.

“He said, Lala, I wanted to ask you about this. I want to bring you to the camp as well. I said I’m always available for you. The way captain and coach has shown confidence on Shadab, we are also hopeful that he makes a comeback.”

Pakistan World Cup squad:

Babar Azam (C), Shadab Khan (VC), Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Wasim Junior, Agha Salman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Osama Mir.

Travelling Reserves: Muhammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan.