Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah has finally spoken out about the relentless chants of “parchi parchi” (a term used to suggest favouritism in team selection) that have followed him throughout his career.
The left-hander addressed the criticism head-on after Pakistan’s 60-run loss to New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy opener in Karachi yesterday.
Despite playing a fighting knock of 69 off 49 balls in a failed chase of 321, Khushdil once again found himself on the receiving end of fan taunts.
But instead of lashing out, he chose to respond with composure, making it clear that his focus has never been on personal milestones.
“If I were playing for myself, you wouldn’t have heard those [parchi] chants today,” Khushdil Shah said while speaking to journalists in the mixed zone.
“I have never played for individual records. My goal is always to contribute to the team’s success, whether people acknowledge it or not. I try to score runs without worrying about my wicket.”
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The left-hander, who showed some resistance alongside Naseem Shah in Pakistan’s collapsing chase, revealed that they were determined to take the game deep.
“Naseem and I were discussing that if we could take the game to the last over, we had a chance. But with no wickets left in hand, it wasn’t possible,” he said.
Khushdil Shah, who has been a consistent target of criticism from a section of the fanbase, admitted that he’s grown used to the negativity.
“People have been chanting slogans at me for two years now. It’s become a habit. I even tell them, ‘Go on, chant some more,'” he said.
“This is a big tournament happening on our home soil. It’s important for people to support the team instead of tearing down players. It’s disappointing when your own fans do this at your home ground.
“It shouldn’t happen, but I’ve learned to handle it and just focus on my game.”
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