Pakistan batting talent Khushdil Shah, who is currently with Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League, has pushed back after being overlooked for the national team. The batter questioned both the franchise leadership and the Pakistan Cricket Board following his latest match-winning display.
Khushdil struck a remarkable 44 not out from just 14 deliveries as Karachi Kings chased down Lahore Qalandars in a high-pressure finish at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday. His innings earned him the Player of the Match award, with the knock coming in a chase where timing and impact were crucial.
Quick facts
- Player: Khushdil Shah (Karachi Kings, PSL)
- Performance: 44* off 14 balls (Player of the Match)
- Match: Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars
- Venue and date: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore — Thursday
- Result: Karachi Kings won by five wickets
- Lahore score: 199/6 in 20 overs
- Key Lahore contributions: Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique (half-centuries)
- Chase highlights: David Warner 63* off 44
- Karachi Kings points: 8 points, 6th in table (NRR: -1.063) after 9 matches
After the game, Khushdil spoke to former Pakistan cricketer Rameez Raja and detailed why he believes his exclusion from senior selection is unjust. He also addressed the narrative around himself, stressing that he does not engage in social media and does not dwell on past grievances.
In an emotional tone, Khushdil said: “Sab players se main alag hoon. Na main social media par hoon, na main purani baaton ka rona rota hoon ki mere saath kya galat hua.” His message, in essence, framed him as someone who stays away from online noise and refuses to live in the past about how things were handled.
He then pointed to his recent batting output, arguing that his domestic and franchise form should have kept him in contention. Khushdil added: “Maine abhi haal hi mein No. 5 aur 6 par 700-800 runs banaye hain, double hundred bhi kiya hai, badi innings kheli hain. Phir bhi, itne sab ke baad mujhe team se drop kar diya gaya.”
Khushdil’s claim was that he has produced massive runs—700 to 800 while batting at positions 5 or 6 in recent domestic cricket—and even hit a double hundred, yet still found himself left out. He has played 15 ODIs and 38 T20Is for Pakistan so far, with his last appearance for the national side coming in September 2025, in a T20I against the UAE.
Karachi’s chase does the talking
Earlier, after being asked to bat, Lahore Qalandars posted 199/6 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was built around half-centuries from Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique, which gave the home side a solid platform despite the chase pressure that follows any 200 target.
Chasing 200, Khushdil delivered the decisive bursts at the back end, striking five sixes as he remained unbeaten on 44 off 14 balls. His strike rate was 314.28, and that acceleration shifted the momentum decisively in Karachi’s favour.
David Warner provided important support, finishing with 63 not out from 44 deliveries. Together, the duo steered Karachi Kings to a crucial five-wicket triumph, turning a competitive total into a successful chase.
With the win, Karachi Kings sit sixth in the points standings. They have recorded four victories and five losses from nine matches, collecting eight points, while their net run rate stands at -1.063.
