Former Pakistan off-spinner and national selector Tauseef Ahmed has triggered a fresh controversy after making serious favouritism allegations against the former spinner Saqlain Mushtaq. Tauseef claimed that Saqlain had tried to influence selection decisions to benefit his son-in-law, Shadab Khan.
The former Pakistan selector also revealed that he had a voice recording of Mushtaq allegedly trying to influence him to pick Shadab in the squad when he was in charge. Amid this, Mohammad Rizwan seeks Jay Shah-led ICC’s support to counter NCCIA probe.
Tauseef Ahmed makes serious favouritism allegations against Saqlain Mushtaq
Saqlain Mushtaq served as Pakistan’s head coach (2021–2023) and Head of International Player Development, PCB (2020), and during his tenure, he heavily influenced his son-in-law, Shadab Khan’s selection in the Pakistan National Cricket Team.
Tauseef Ahmed has now bluntly said that ‘Saqlain Mushtaq bhai doesn’t see anything other than Shadab Khan’. The former Pakistan selector revealed that Mushtaq had invited him, but he didn’t answer the phone at the time. He later received the recording, asking him to pick Shadab in the squad.
Speaking on the Fawad Alam Show, Tauseef said, “There is a limit to giving someone repeated chances, especially when other players are waiting for an opportunity. He doesn’t see anything other than Shadab. If something is wrong, it should be called wrong.”
Tauseef admits Shadab Khan has talent but wants fair selection
The former Pakistan off-spinner questioned how players can come from outside, get contracts and continue receiving opportunities while other important players are pushed aside. He criticised the situation where an unfit player continues to pick in the team while receiving repeated backing.
Tauseef stressed that “this kind of favouritism is unfair to other players who are waiting for their chance.” At the same time, he made it clear that he would praise Shadab Khan if he performed well.
The former Pakistan selector worked with Shadab Khan during their time at Islamabad in the Pakistan Super League, and he believes the all-rounder has plenty of talent and potential.
But Tauseef argued that talent alone should not become a reason for continuous selection when the player is struggling to deliver at the highest level, saying, “Such treatment is unfair to other players.” Amid this, Kapil Dev mentions Modi government while discussing India-Pakistan ‘No handshake’ row.
Tauseef Ahmed questions Sufiyan Muqeem’s treatment, demands more chances for young players
Meanwhile, Tauseef Ahmed said that he has played alongside several great cricketers, but even some of them struggled after taking up coaching or leadership roles. He suggested that players should not receive unnecessary support simply because of “personal connections”.
The former selector also questioned what the left-arm wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem had done wrong. He said that one poor performance should not be enough to completely push a young player out of consideration, as the spinner was not given the chance since the 2025 Asia Cup.
He feels the team could keep Sufiyan around and allow him to develop. He also pointed towards the empty space on the bench and questioned why the team was not willing to give opportunities to other young players. He called for chances for the young players in the Pakistan team.
Tauseef also discussed Sajid Khan and said that his basic technique and foundation have become very strong, although there are still some small areas that can be improved. These are minor technical issues that can be worked on with proper guidance and time.
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Source: cricketaddictor.com
