After Pakistan’s loss to New Zealand by 60 runs in the opening encounter of ICC Champions Trophy here on Wednesday, Pakistani cricket player Khushdil Shah opened up about the difficulties he faces as a middle-order batsman and addressed the criticism he endures from fans, including chants of “parchi parchi,” a term used to suggest favoritism in team selection.
Shah, who scored a heroic 69 off 49 balls, was always the target of jokes from parts of the audience, a recurring pattern in his career.
After the game, Shah stayed calm and introspective when talking to mixed zone reporters. “If I were playing for my personal score, the chants of ‘parchi parchi’ wouldn’s not heard today,” he remarked. “I have never taken part in cricket for myself. My first concern has always been helping the team to succeed. I aim to score without thinking about my wicket, Khushdil stated.
As Pakistan’s batting disintegrated against New Zealand, Khushdil showed some opposition. He said he tried his best to keep Pakistan in pursuit with Naseem Shah.
“Naseem and I were talking that we could win the game if we could bring it to the last over,” Khsuhdil said. But without wickets behind, the attempts went off course.
Often a target of fan criticism, the all-rounder acknowledged that the taunting have evolved into a regular occurrence on his path. For two years now, people have been calling out slogans at me. I now find it second nature. I even tell them, “Go on, chant some more,'” he remarked with a little resilient edge.
Given the ICC Champions Trophy is being hosted in Pakistan, he underlined the value of fan support. “People should support the team and players; our nation is hosting the Champions Trophy,” he advised. “Negative shouts used at players on their home field disappoints us. Though I have learnt to manage it and keep enjoying my game, it shouldn’t happen.
When considering his choice and performance, Shah pointed out the difficulties of lower middle order batting. “One of the toughest positions in cricket is sixth or seventh one. Few people are aware of the burden and difficulties accompanying it,” he remarked. “I have always aimed to return in such a way that nobody questions my position on the team.”
As evidence of his credentials, Khushdil SHah further highlighted his steady home performance. “My performances in domestic cricket, where I’ve often bats at sixth or seventh position, are there for everyone to see,” he remarked. “People have no idea how much effort it takes to be a cricketer.”
He stayed hopeful about Pakistan’s chances in next games even after the loss. “Today the game slipped away from us, but we will concentrate on finishing games strongly in the next ones.” he stated.
