Had this really bad experience with Shaheen in the Netherlands game. I didn’t post about it then because I would rather conceal my identity and was hoping this wasn’t caught on camera by some fan making videos.
So, before the game I was lucky to be sitting in a stand where the Pak players were training right in front of us. I was very much enthusiastic to G up all the boys. I was very much appreciative of the response I got from Farhan, Nawaz, Nafay (he’s a wonderful lad), and even Naseem. I didn’t really say any hi or hello to Babar. I can’t G him up if I genuinely don’t rate him. But I’m not going to abuse or disrespect any of these guys (Babar or Rizwan) in real life.
Anyhow, the game got underway and Pakistan didn’t start of brightly with Shaheen getting pummelled around the ground. He was then fielding around my stand on the boundary for most part of the game for the rest of the game. There were some lads who were just there for banter or hoping that the cameras catch a glimpse of them. They didn’t say anything too bad to him, but they were maybe being a little bit cheeky. You could sense Shaheen was already ticking/seething within because of his opening poor spell, and maybe he was still thinking about that huge six he got hit on the roof.
Around the 14th over (if I recall) I was trying to G him up by saying “bro stay in this, we are going to bowl them out for under 150”. This is because I knew he had to bowl at the death and we needed this guy to pull through for us. I know he could do it, he could have a good closing spell where he picks up 2-3 wickets and then we’ve wrapped this up. We needed him focused. He looked at me once and I could still sense that he’s fuming…
A delivery later (a dot ball), he turned around and pointed his finger at me and then said something along the lines of “you, be quiet and go away!”
I can’t say I was hurt at this, because actually I was shocked first and then I was RAGING inside. A part of me wanted to create absolute drama by giving him a serious mouthful! Even if it lead to an altercation. Inside I’m thinking “bruv, I’m encouraging him. Why would he say that to me? Is he dense or something?”
I thought to myself, I could either make this into a drama and take this guy on, or think of the consequences…
-I would probably be kicked out of the ground and banned from all the other matches.
-Shaheen could get fined and maybe reprimanded (banned some games) for getting into a spat with a spectator. Whereas, Pakistan needs him more than my own personal ego.
I just looked at him and said “bro, I’m encouraging you. Why would you say that to me?” That’s all. He just shut up and kept biting his bottom lip.
Upon reflection, I was truly disappointed that a guy who has been given so much respect and love by Pakistan and its fans thinks it’s ok to be disrespectful even though the person is not being rude to him! The guys around me were shocked too. We didn’t make much of an issue of it.
I’m just annoyed because I genuinely like the guy. My bro
@topspin knows this. It’s us guys who make these boys our heroes/stars. They should know this!
Anyhow, thought I should share this story. I was very happy when he finally got his captaincy back after Naqvi screwed him. I’m personally don’t care anymore what happens with this bloke going forward. Dil se utar gaya hai yeh!
@Slim @RidiculousMan
sure if 
