Former Pakistan cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq clarified lobbying claims raised by Tauseef Ahmed over all-rounder Shadab Khan’s selection in the national team. Exclusively talking to a priviate TV channel Saqlain Mushtaq said he had called Tauseef Ahmed several times but never discussed selection with him. He said he respected Tauseef but would no longer contact him, adding that he had to protect his own dignity as well. “I called Tauseef Ahmed, but I never asked him about selection,” Saqlain Mushtaq said. He added that Tauseef had made a similar allegation against him two years ago.

Saqlain Mushtaq also denied contacting anyone regarding the selection of Shadab Khan or any other player. He said he had never discussed Shadab’s selection with him and that he had limited communication with the player. He further said that allegations of this nature could affect a cricketer and maintained that someone who has represented Pakistan would not engage in wrongdoing while performing an official responsibility.  Tauseef Ahmed, while talking on the YouTube channel of another national cricketer, Fawad Alam, accused Saqlain Mushtaq of using his sources to lobby for the current all-rounder. 

Tauseef further claimed that he possesses recordings purportedly capturing him lobbying for Shadab’s inclusion in the national team.  “He doesn’t see anything other than Shadab. And such things. Man, there’s a limit. There’s a limit to the favour. Who has put their hand on you? He called me and also asked someone else to do so; I didn’t pick up the phone,” said Tauseef.  “Recording. [I have the] recording. He sent it later. I don’t say it like that. I say the wrong thing is wrong.” 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)