Former Pakistan spinners Tauseef Ahmed and Saqlain Mushtaq have exchanged sharp remarks over allegations of favouritism involving all-rounder Shadab Khan’s selection for the national team.
Speaking on the YouTube channel of former Pakistan cricketer Fawad Alam, Tauseef claimed he had recordings that allegedly captured Saqlain lobbying for Shadab’s inclusion in the national side. Shadab is Saqlain’s son-in-law.
“He doesn’t see anything other than Shadab. And such things. Man, there’s a limit. There’s a limit to the favour,” Tauseef said.
He further claimed that Saqlain had contacted him and asked another person to approach him regarding the matter.
“Recording. I have the recording,” Tauseef said, adding that he believed wrongdoing should be called out.
Tauseef questions selection and contracts
Tauseef also raised questions about the treatment of Pakistan captain Shan Masood, claiming that the batter had been placed in a lower contract category while some players were able to secure contracts despite fitness concerns.
“You come from outside and take the contract. Shan Masood, your captain, goes to C or D category. No one is going to ask what’s happening,” he said.
He also questioned the omission of players such as Sufiyan Muqeem and criticised the handling of some players who, according to him, had performed well before struggling under coaching.
Tauseef’s remarks prompted a direct response from Saqlain, who challenged his former Pakistan teammate to make the alleged recording public.
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Saqlain demands evidence
Responding on X, Saqlain wrote: “Mr Tauseef Ahmed, you said you have my voice message — prove it. Release it publicly.”
Saqlain said he had contacted Tauseef out of respect because he considered him a senior and rejected the way the interaction had been portrayed.
“Don’t lie, don’t hide, and don’t twist the facts. I have the full record too. Release yours, and I’ll release mine. Let the public hear the truth,” he added.
Saqlain has held several coaching and management roles in Pakistan cricket, including serving as the national team’s interim head coach from 2021 to 2023.
He has previously faced allegations of favouring Shadab, although the latest exchange centres on Tauseef’s claim that he possesses a recording related to the all-rounder’s selection.
Neither the alleged recording nor independent evidence supporting Tauseef’s claim was presented in the material provided, while Saqlain has publicly challenged him to release it.
