Nation will respect Babar, Rizwan more after this series: Shadab Khan

Pakistan stand-in skipper, Shadab Khan, has emphasised the importance of senior players after his young side lost the second T20I against Afghanistan on Sunday in Sharjah.

While speaking to media after the seven-wicket loss to Afghanistan, Shadab said that the media and fans will realise the value of experienced players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who have been rested for this series.

“People criticise Babar and Rizwan regardless of whether they perform or not. There is always a sword hanging over them of strike rate. As a nation, we wanted youngsters to come in international cricket, as they were performing in PSL, so we thought they would play with a better strike rate,” Shadab said.

“But finally, our nation will realize that experience matters and our seniors didn’t get the respect they deserved considering their performances. So after this series, they will get a lot more respect from media and the nation,” he added.

Nation will respect Babar Azam and Rizwan more after this series: Shadab Khan 👀#AFGvPAK #BabarAzam #Rizwan pic.twitter.com/TSn5FDYNOz

— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) March 26, 2023

Afghanistan has taken a 2-0 unassailable lead in the three-match T20I series. This was Afghanistan’s first-ever series win over Pakistan in any format.

The third match of the series will be played on Monday at the same venue.