Umar Gul, the former Pakistan cricket team fast bowler, has expressed his disapproval regarding all-rounder Shadab Khan’s decision to temporarily exit the field during a critical moment in Pakistan’s ICC Cricket World Cup match against South Africa in Chennai.
This unfortunate incident further hindered Pakistan’s World Cup campaign as they succumbed to their fourth consecutive defeat in the tournament.
During South Africa’s innings, Shadab Khan sustained a head injury while making a diving attempt to stop a ball. He briefly left the field but later returned. However, due to concerns about a possible concussion, he was eventually substituted out of the game, with Usama Mir stepping in.
Umar Gul expressed doubts about the severity of Shadab’s concussion injury, especially considering his initial return to the field. In a thrilling match that witnessed South Africa clinching a one-wicket victory, effectively dashing Pakistan’s hopes of making it to the semi-finals, Usama Mir made a significant impact by claiming two crucial wickets.
“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,” Gul said on a TV channel.
He further added, “He initially left the field and then returned after a while. Apparently, his scans showed no major issues. I believe he may have chosen this route to escape the mounting pressure and intensity on the field.”
Umar Gul suggesting Shadab Khan was faking his injury against South Africa (video courtesy ARY) #CWC23 #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/wi7Nw6Vgrl
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) October 28, 2023
