Pakistan’s middle-order batter Khushdil Shah has opened up about the challenges he faces both on and off the field, addressing the criticism surrounding his selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the taunts he endured from sections of the home crowd during Pakistan’s 60-run defeat to New Zealand in the tournament opener.
Despite a valiant knock of 69 off 49 balls, Khushdil found himself at the center of ridicule, with chants of “parchi parchi” (a term used to suggest favoritism in team selection) echoing from parts of the crowd at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
Speaking to journalists in the mixed zone after the match, Khushdil remained composed and reflective, addressing the criticism head-on. He said,
If I were playing for my personal score, the chants of ‘parchi parchi‘ wouldn’t have been heard today. I have never played cricket for myself. My focus has always been on contributing to the team’s success. I try to score without caring about my wicket.
Khushdil, who has often been a target of fan criticism, admitted that the taunts have become a recurring theme in his career.
“People have been chanting slogans at me for two years now. It has become a habit for me. I even tell them, ‘Go on, chant some more,'” he said with a hint of resilience.
He emphasized the importance of fan support, especially with Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy for the first time in decades.
“Our country is hosting the Champions Trophy, and it’s important for people to back the team and players,” he said. “It’s disappointing when players are subjected to negative chants at their home ground. It shouldn’t happen, but I’ve learned to handle it and continue enjoying my game.”
Khushdil’s innings was one of the few bright spots in Pakistan’s otherwise disappointing chase of New Zealand’s 321-run target. Coming in at a precarious position, he showed resistance and tried to keep Pakistan in the game alongside tailender Naseem Shah.
Reflecting on the match, Khushdil revealed the strategy he and Naseem Shah had discussed during their partnership.
“Naseem and I were discussing that if we could take the game to the last over, we could win it,” he said. However, with no wickets in hand and mounting pressure, their efforts ultimately fell short.
Khushdil also shed light on the unique challenges of batting in the lower middle order.
“The sixth or seventh position is one of the toughest roles in cricket. Not many understand the pressure and challenges that come with it,” he explained. “I’ve always tried to make a comeback in such a way that no one doubts my place in the team.”
He pointed to his consistent performances in domestic cricket as evidence of his credentials.
“My performances in domestic cricket, where I’ve often batted at sixth or seventh position, are there for everyone to see,” he said. “People don’t realize how much hard work goes into being a cricketer.”
Despite the loss, Khushdil remained optimistic about Pakistan’s chances in the tournament.
“Today, the match slipped away from us, but we will focus on finishing games strongly in the upcoming matches,” he said.
With Pakistan set to face arch-rivals India in their next match, the team will need to regroup quickly and address the issues that plagued them in the opener.