Khushdil Shah opens up about being called 'Parchi'

Pakistani cricketer Khushdil Shah has opened up about being called 'Parchi' during the Champions Trophy opening match by spectators.

Speaking to the media in the mixed zone after the match, Khushdil emphasised that he has never played cricket for personal milestones.

"I have never played cricket for myself. If I were playing for my scores, people wouldn't be chanting 'Parchi, Parchi' today," he remarked, referring to accusations of favouritism in his selection. "People have been saying this for the past two years. Now, I've gotten used to it. In fact, I tell them to chant even louder," he added.

Reflecting on the game, Khushdil acknowledged that Pakistan struggled at the start, particularly in the absence of Fakhar Zaman. "We couldn't get a good start because Fakhar wasn't there. No matter what the required run rate is, I always try to play without worrying about my wicket. Today, too, I was only focused on doing my best for the team."

He revealed that he and Naseem Shah had a clear strategy during their partnership. "I was telling Naseem that if we could take the game to the last over, we would have a chance to win. But the plan did not materialize as wickets continued to fall at crucial moments," he said.

Khushdil also spoke about the challenges faced by middle-order batsmen, especially those playing in the lower order. "People don't realize how much effort a player puts in. There are four to five players who rotate in and out of this batting position. Playing at number six or seven is a tough challenge, and I've never come into a situation where the team wasn't already under pressure."

Expressing his disappointment over the negative crowd reactions, he urged fans to support the national team. "It hurts when people chant against players. But I'm handling it, and I'm enjoying my game. Even though I don't know how I was selected for the team, the Champions Trophy is happening in our country, so people should support the team and its players."

Khushdil further highlighted his domestic performances, particularly in the lower middle order. "Everyone has seen my performances batting at number six or seven in domestic cricket," he said.

Despite Pakistan's loss, he remained optimistic about the tournament ahead, saying, "At one stage, we had come back into the game by 40 percent, but then we ran out of wickets, which made things difficult. Our focus is always on how to win matches. Today, we lost, but we will try to finish matches strongly in the future."

New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs in the first match of the Champions Trophy at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday.

Chasing 321, Pakistan was bowled out for 260 runs in 47.2 overs.

Khushdil scored 69 runs off 49 balls in this match.