Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has drawn a comparison between Pakistan’s all-rounder Shadab Khan and Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, expressing his belief in their ability to make an impact across all three departments of the game. Hayden, who served as Pakistan’s batting coach during the previous two T20 World Cups, commended Khan’s skills and versatility.
Hayden highlighted Khan’s qualities, stating, “Shadab Khan is a fantastic player. He is an individual of absolute quality. Like Jaddu [Ravindra Jadeja], he is a three-dimensional cricketer.” He emphasized Khan’s prowess as a dangerous batsman, his variations in bowling, and his exceptional fielding abilities. According to Hayden, fielding efforts play a crucial role in winning World Cups, with catches near the boundaries and unique run-outs making a significant difference, even if they may not be statistically noted.
In related news, the International Cricket Council (ICC) recently unveiled the schedule for the upcoming ICC World Cup, set to be held in India. Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament will commence with matches against qualifiers on October 6 and 12, respectively.
The highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is scheduled for October 15 in Ahmedabad. The tournament will feature 10 teams competing across 10 venues from October 5 to November 19, with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosting both the opening match and the final.
Here is Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:
- October 6: Pakistan vs Qualifier 1 in Hyderabad
- October 12: Pakistan vs Qualifier 2 in Hyderabad
- October 15: Pakistan vs India in Ahmedabad
- October 20: Pakistan vs Australia in Bengaluru
- October 23: Pakistan vs Afghanistan in Chennai
- October 27: Pakistan vs South Africa in Chennai
- October 31: Pakistan vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
- November 4: Pakistan vs New Zealand in Bengaluru (Day match)
- November 12: Pakistan vs England in Kolkata
As the ICC World Cup draws near, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the performances of talented players like Shadab Khan, who have the potential to leave an indelible mark on the tournament.
