Former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul on Wednesday apologised to all-rounder Shadab Khan for accusing the later of faking injury during the ICC World Cup 2023 match against South Africa.
Shadab was substituted due to concussion during the aforementioned match after a blow to the head while fielding.
“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.
However, Gul has confirmed that he apologised to Shadab for his remarks after PSL.
"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 told a local cricket website.
"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.
Shadab recently led Islamabad United to the title during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine.
- Shadab Khan
