Shadab Khan replies to fake statement reportedly made by Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar

The build-up to a highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan always involved some heated exchanges of words. But recently, a piece of fake news ignited some confusion between both sides and the star, Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan was the one who fell prey to the fake news.

An X post claimed that the current Indian chief selector and former pacer, Ajit Agarkar said, “Kohli will take care of them,” in response to a question on Pakistan pacers, including the likes of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. But the news was never true and Agarkar was not even asked this question.

But eventually, it looked like the reporter who asked Shadab Khan about the forgot to cross-check it once and confirm if it was real or not. During the post-match press conference after the 59-run win of Pakistan in the third ODI of the three-match series against Afghanistan, reported asked Shadab’s response to this fake claim which was reported to be made by the Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

"Someone from India or I can make any claim, but those are just words." - Shadab Khan

"It depends on a particular day, probably. Now, someone from India or I can make any claim, but those are just words. Anybody can say anything and that doesn't change or affect anything. When we have the match, then we might see what goes on," said Shadab in response to a question from the reporter.

Notably, the arch-rivals, India and Pakistan will take on each other in the high-octane clash in the group stage of the Asia Cup 2023. Both teams will play this match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, the 2^nd of September. Both teams have already announced their squads for the continental championship.

It will be the first time the men in blue will be taking on the Babar Azam’s men in any major international tournament after the historic clash during the T20 World Cup 2022.