[World Cup 2023] “I Don’t Think Shadab Khan Had A Serious Injury” – Umar Gul

Former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul has slammed all-rounder Shadab Khan for going off the field during the crucial moments of the Pakistan vs South’s World Cup 2023 clash at the Chepauk in Chennai. Pakistan lost the game by one wicket at Chepauk. This was their fourth straight defeat on October 27th to bow out of the tournament.

The Pakistani cricket team started their ICC World Cup 2023 campaign on a winning note, defeating the Netherlands in the tournament opener and following it up with a second consecutive win over Sri Lanka. However, nothing went in the right direction for the team ever since then. The Men in Green has suffered only disappointment in the tournament.

During the game against South Africa, Shadab Khan took a blow to the head while diving to stop the field. He went off temporarily, only to return after a while. However, he was soon ruled out of action from the game, with Usama Mir replacing him as a concussion substitute.

[VIDEO] Shadab Khan Leaves The Field With An Injury
[VIDEO] Shadab Khan Leaves The Field With An Injury

Umar Gul Made A Controversial Remark About Shadab Khan

[World Cup 2023] "I Don’t Think Shadab Khan Had A Serious Injury" - Umar Gul

Speaking about the same incident, former Pakistan cricketer Umar Gul accused Shadab of leaving the team during the crucial time. He also said that he didn’t believe that the concussion injury Shadab suffered while fielding at mid-off was serious enough for him to go off the field. He said:

“I don’t think Shadab had a serious injury. When one or two wickets were left, he came out on camera to cheer and clap for the team. It just means that you are playing with the emotions of 24 crore Pakistani people. It is not funny,”

He added:

“He went off and after a while came back. His scans were apparently also clear. I think he took a route to escape from the pressure and action on the field,

Another former Test pacer, Sohan Tanvir backed Gul’s allegations but he was more careful with his words. Tanveer also appreciated the crowd at Chennai for supporting the Pakistan cricket team. He said:

We don’t know how serious this concussion injury was but the way Shadab first returned to the field then went back on whoever’s advice… His presence in the dugout does make one wonder should he not have carried on playing.

“I know of players who have batted with broken hands and arms because it was necessary for the team,”