The struggling Shadab Khan is reached out to by Shahid Afridi

The struggling Shadab Khan is reached out to by Shahid Afridi, Former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi has called the Green Shirts’ spinner Shadab Khan to apologize for conceding more than 50 runs in the second Twenty20 International against England on Saturday, despite taking no wickets during the match.

After Babar Azam’s men failed to meet the 184-run target in their 19.2 overs at the Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, England were able to secure a 23-run victory over the national side having been bowled out for 160 after failing to achieve the 184-run target.

It was Shadab’s worst bowling performance in a T20I as he conceded 55 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket – the worst bowling performance he had ever had in a T20I.

There was also an occasion in 2021 when the right-arm leg spinner bowled the same figures when playing against Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Speaking to a local news channel, Afridi revealed he had a discussion with Shadab after the match on Saturday in which he advised him on what he was doing wrong and tried to give him the necessary confidence to perform effectively.

I’ve watched all of Shadab’s matches in the past and I’m sure he will deliver. I want him to deliver with the ball because whenever he does, Pakistan wins. When we had a detailed conversation yesterday, I asked him who is guiding him, or if he is not doing something, how do you make such mistakes? Is there no one to tell you that you are making such mistakes?” Afridi replied.

As I know he is going through a difficult time at this time, I called him yesterday to give him a little bit of encouragement and motivation. As I spoke to Shadab about what he is doing wrong, I hoped that if he acted upon what we discussed in training sessions, then you would be able to see the difference that he made.”

There have been reports that Shadab has been under some mental block and he has responded with a question as to whether there is any leg-spin coach with the team. Saeed Ajmal was there, but he was more of an off-spinner. Ajmal ought to be asked whether he coached Shadab and why he is not following instructions.

“I know that Shadab has a lot on his plate, and I know that he has to deal with the pressure that’s coming his way, but big players do know how to overcome situations such as these. I told him about one or two issues I noticed with his bowling, and I am hoping he will work on them,” the former captain concluded.