Pakistan Super League 2023

Watch: Shadab Khan yells expletive into stump mic after being bowled by 150kph Ihsanullah thunderbolt

by Wisden Staff March 7, 2023 - 6:20pm 2 minute read

Watch: Shadab Khan yelled an expletive into the stump mic after he was bowled by a 150kph thunderbolt from Ihsanullah today (March 7) in Multan Sultan’s clash with Islamabad United.

The rocket from Ihsanullah landed full outside Shadab’s off stump and picked up a faint inside edge as it crashed into middle stump. With the zing bails on the floor and the stumps in tatters, Shadab whacked his bat into the ground as he turned around to look at the damage, a shouted in frustration.

As the stump mic was still intact, it picked up the expletive which Shadab used to express his displeasure at the dismissal, and it was broadcast to all those watching. Unbothered by Shadab’s frustration, Ihsanullah celebrated with his trademark pose as he watched the batter walk off the pitch.

“Yep, that’s what pace can do,” said Nick Knight on commentary of the delivery which registered at well over 93mph.

Shadab wasn’t done getting his anger out of his system yet, however, and he threw his helmet into the ground as he crossed the boundary rope. He may find himself in hot water for the incident, as the PSL playing conditions prohibit “swearing in frustration at one’s own play or fortune”. The maximum sanction for a first offence of this kind is a 25 per cent match fee fine.

Video of the incident was initially uploaded on the PSL Twitter account, with Shadab’s comment still audible. However, the footage was quickly deleted and re-uploaded with the expletive edited out.

The match came down to a thrilling finish as Islamabad chased down 206 to win off the penultimate ball of the innings. From still needing 68 from 32 balls when Shadab was dismissed, Faheem Ashraf hit the winning runs with a 26-ball 48. Shadab’s 25-ball 44 was the next highest contribution, and he was smiling again as he walked out onto the field to congratulate his teammates after the win was secured.