Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Islamabad United, led by Shadab Khan, were seen celebrating with the Palestine flag following their 3rd title win in the tournament history. With the players taking a victory lap after a nail-biting win, players were walking around the ground with the Palestine flag, with Shadab at the forefront of it.
Pakistan cricketers including Agha Salman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and many more have consistently pledged their support to Palestine amid the ongoing conflict with Israel at the Gaza Strip. Notably, Rizwan dedicated his century against Sri Lanka during the 2023 World Cup to the Palestine victims, which sparked backlash.
"Watching the match is tough for me"- Shadab Khan
Shadab, who won the Player of the Tournament award, admitted that it was nerve-wracking to watch it from the outside. At the post-match presentation, the spin-bowling all-rounder elaborated:
"Felt that the more time I had, could utilise it better with bat. At number 6-7, I don't have the power game. Have tried to fix my technical issues as a bowler. That's a long process, and the improvements will come. Watching the match is tough for me. In the middle I don't feel pressure, but watching it from outside is tough. I make life difficult for people next to me as well, so I don't sit with batters who are supposed to walk in next."
Shadab finished the tournament with 305 runs and 14 wickets.
