A new selection controversy has hit Pakistan cricket. Former selector Tauseef Ahmed has publicly accused former head coach Saqlain Mushtaq of favouritism, saying Saqlain tried to influence him to keep all-rounder Shadab Khan in Pakistan's squad.
Tauseef made the allegation while speaking on the Fawad Alam Show. He said the push to keep Shadab in the team was tied to a personal relationship — Shadab Khan is Saqlain Mushtaq's son-in-law.
Tauseef Ahmed's Favouritism Claim Against Saqlain Mushtaq
Tauseef did not stop at a verbal allegation. He said he possesses a voice recording that he believes supports his claim. That detail raises the stakes, because it suggests the dispute is not just about opinion or memory — Tauseef is pointing to what he says is documented proof.
According to the original report on the controversy, Tauseef claimed that Saqlain had attempted to influence him during his time as a selector to keep Shadab in Pakistan's squad. The claim directly targets how selection decisions were being made behind the scenes.
Why the Shadab Khan Selection Debate Matters
Shadab Khan has been a regular name in Pakistan's white-ball squads. The allegation is not that Shadab lacks talent — it is that his continued selection may have been driven by a family connection rather than form or performance.
This is a serious charge in any cricket setup. Selectors are expected to pick players on merit. If a coach can influence a selector to protect a relative, it undermines the entire selection process and the trust fans place in the team.
- Tauseef Ahmed served as a Pakistan selector.
- Saqlain Mushtaq served as Pakistan's head coach.
- Shadab Khan is an all-rounder in Pakistan's national setup.
- Tauseef says he has a voice recording to support his allegation.
Our Take: Pakistan Cricket Needs a Clear Answer
In our view, this is not a small internal matter that can be brushed aside. When a former selector goes public with a favouritism charge — and claims to hold a recording — Pakistan cricket cannot stay silent.
To put it plainly, the Pakistan Cricket Board should either verify the recording or reject the claim openly. Silence helps nobody. If the allegation is true, it points to a broken selection culture where personal relationships override performance. If it is false, Saqlain Mushtaq deserves a clear public defence.
For fans, the real damage is trust. Supporters accept dropped players and tough calls when they believe the process is fair. Once favouritism claims start sticking, every selection becomes a question mark. That is the cost Pakistan cricket pays when it lets such disputes fester instead of resolving them.
What readers should take away is simple: this is now a credibility test for Pakistan's cricket administration. The claim has been made in public, on the record, with an alleged recording attached. The response must be equally public and equally clear.
