Saqlain Mushtaq challenges Tauseef Khan to release alleged audio over Shadab Khan selection

Saqlain Mushtaq challenges Tauseef Khan to release alleged audio over Shadab Khan selection (Source – Getty Images)

Saqlain Mushtaq has challenged former Pakistan selector Tauseef Khan to publicly release an alleged audio recording that accuses him of pushing his son-in-law Shadab Khan’s selection. The dispute centres on claims made by Tauseef, who served as Pakistan’s interim chief selector in 2023, regarding communications he received about Shadab’s inclusion in the national squad.

Tauseef alleged that he received a phone call asking him to go easy on Shadab’s selection and claimed another person had been asked to contact him on Saqlain’s behalf. He also stated that Saqlain had sent him a voice message regarding Shadab. According to reports, Tauseef made these allegations public through media appearances.

“He (Saqlain) doesn’t look at anyone other than Shadab. And such things they talk about… Man, there is a limit, brother! There is a limit to favouritism!,” Tauseef said in Fawad Alam show as quoted by Cricket News.

“Who is holding their hand over you from above? I was called on the phone and told, ‘You stay calm.’ Recording… recording – which was sent later on,” he added.

Saqlain denied the favouritism allegations, saying he called Tauseef out of respect. He challenged Tauseef to release his evidence, adding that he would then make his own record public. Saqlain threatened to release his own recordings in response to the accusations.

Neither side has publicly released the alleged recording or other evidence supporting their claims. The dispute remains unresolved, with both parties making contradictory statements about the nature and content of their communications.

Saqlain held influential roles in Pakistani cricket, including serving as head coach of the national side and working at the National Cricket Academy. His daughter, Malika, is married to Pakistani cricketer Shadab Khan, which forms the basis of the favouritism allegations.

Shadab Khan’s recent T20 performance and hat-trick record

Shadab Khan, born October 4, 1998, is a Pakistani all-rounder who has represented the national team across formats. His last ODI appearance was on June 4, 2026, against Australia. Recently, Shadab has been performing in franchise cricket competitions.

Shadab claimed his second T20 hat-trick while playing for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the Caribbean Premier League. During Qualifier 1 of the 2026 CPL, he took 4 for 16 against Guyana Amazon Warriors at Kensington Oval, with his hat-trick helping bowl the Warriors out for 76. The Falcons chased the target successfully in 5.2 overs.

Shadab’s first T20 hat-trick came during the 2024 Lanka Premier League when he played for Colombo Strikers against Kandy Falcons. In Pakistan’s T20 hat-trick list, only former pacer Mohammad Sami, who achieved three such feats, sits above Shadab. Across CPL history, Shadab became the third bowler to claim a hat-trick, following Rashid Khan in 2017 and Andre Russell in 2018.

Shadab was not picked for the Asian Games 2026 squad, which adds another layer to the ongoing selection debate surrounding his international career.

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