Khushdil Shah, the middle-order batsman for Pakistan, has spoken candidly about the difficulties he faces on and off the field. He has addressed the criticism he received for being selected for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as well as the jeers he received from some members of the home crowd during Pakistan’s 60-run loss to New Zealand in the tournament’s opening match.
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Despite Khushdil’s heroic 69 off 49 balls, he was the target of jeering, with cries of “parchi parchi”—a phrase that implies partiality in squad selection—resonating from some sections of the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
After the game, Khushdil addressed the criticism head-on while being calm and thoughtful when speaking to reporters in the mixed zone. He stated,
Khushdil, who has frequently been a target of fan anger, acknowledged that the comments have started to appear frequently throughout his career.
For the past two years, people have been chanting slogans at me. For me, it has turned into a habit. “Go on, chant some more,” he added with a tinge of resilience. “I even told them that.”
With Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy for the first time in decades, he underlined the value of fan support.
“People should support the team and players because our nation is hosting the Champions Trophy,” he stated. “Players being the target of disparaging chants at their home field is disheartening. I’ve learnt to deal with it and keep having fun with my game, even if it shouldn’t happen.
One of the few bright lights in Pakistan’s otherwise dismal pursuit of New Zealand’s 321-run goal was Khushdil’s innings. Alongside tailender Naseem Shah, he entered the game in a vulnerable position, displayed resistance, and attempted to keep Pakistan in the match.
Thinking back on the game, Khushdil disclosed the tactic he and Naseem Shah had discussed while working together.
“Naseem and I were talking about how we could win the game if we could play it to the very end,” he remarked. But in the end, their attempts were unsuccessful as pressure mounted and they had no wickets in hand.
Additionally, Khushdil emphasized the particular difficulties of hitting in the bottom middle order.
One of the hardest positions in cricket is sixth or seventh. Not many comprehend the pressure and obstacles that come with it,” he explained. “I’ve always aimed to return in a way that leaves no room for doubt about my position on the team.”
He cited his reliable domestic cricket results as proof of his qualifications.
“Everyone can see my performances in domestic cricket, where I’ve frequently batted at sixth or seventh position,” he remarked. “People are unaware of the amount of effort required to be a cricket player.”
Khushdil maintained his optimism on Pakistan’s prospects in the tournament in spite of the defeat.
“We will concentrate on finishing games strongly in the upcoming matches, even though the match slipped away from us today,” he stated.
Pakistan will need to get back together fast and deal with the problems that beset them in the first game because they will be playing their bitter rivals, India, in their next game.
