Former Pakistani spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has hit back at Tauseef Ahmed after the ex-cricketer claimed to have a voice recording of Saqlain trying to influence him into selecting Shadab Khan.
The allegation surfaced during a recent podcast appearance by Tauseef Ahmed, who served as Pakistan’s interim chief selector in 2023. Speaking about favouritism in team selection, Tauseef said, “He [Saqlain Mushtaq] doesn’t see anyone except Shadab. They say such ridiculous things. There has to be a limit to favouritism.”
Tauseef went on to describe a phone call he claims he received regarding Shadab Khan’s selection. “I received a phone call telling me to go easy [with Shadab]. He even told another person to call me on their behalf. I didn’t pick up. I said, ‘Why should I?'”
Th podcast host asked, ‘Saqi bhai [Saqlain bhai]?’ Tauseef simply replied, ‘Yes,’ appearing to confirm that Saqlain Mushtaq was the person behind the call.
Saqlain Mushtaq, who has previously served as Pakistan’s head coach, responded sharply to the claims.
“Mr. Tauseef Ahmed, you said you have my voice message. Prove it. Release it publicly. I called you out of respect, because I respected you as a senior. 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 wrote on X in response.
