Pakistan’s all-rounder Shadab Khan praised Umar Gul as the former pacer and coach apologised for accusing him of hiding behind injury during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
For the unversed, Shadab was substituted due to concussion during Pakistan’s must-win World Cup 2023 clash against South Africa as he sustained a blow to the head while fielding.
Reacting to the substitution, Gul accused that the all-rounder made the concussion rule an excuse to save himself.
“We don’t know what kind of injury he has sustained, but questions arise when you fall, claim to have a concussion, escape from the team, and go outside. The physio checks you, and then after a while, you come out.
“There, you chat with people and then leave. When the match gets tight, and you realize it is going in our favour, you sit outside in the dugout, cheering.
“It means you’ve made an excuse; you’ve saved yourself. So, people will definitely question it,” Gul had said.
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However, in a recent interview with a local cricket website, Umar Gul revealed that he apologized to Shadab Khan after the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine.
“After the PSL, I approached him [Shadab] immediately because the real story was that he had suffered from concussion twice in a year, and the third time it occurred during the World Cup. The doctor advised rest to prevent any serious consequences,” Gul said.
“When I found out about it and when I met him for the first time in the training camp, I went straight to him and apologised. I said, ‘Shadab, it was never my intention to hurt you, and obviously being a Pakistani, I felt at that time that the team needed you.’ So, for the team’s requirement, I said this, otherwise Shadab is a great guy and we have good relations, our families have good relations too, but obviously I felt by the statement I had given, and I apologised to Shadab for it,” he added.
Meanwhile, Shadab Khan spoke highly of Umar Gul for accepting his mistake and wished the latter well for his future.
“It takes a brave man to accept his mistake. Respect you Gulli bhai. Always stay happy,” Shadab wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
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