Playing Against Friends Brings Extra Pressure: Shadab Khan on Big Bash League

**Islamabad (Qudrat Daily):**
Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has said that playing against friends in franchise leagues such as the Big Bash League (BBL) comes with added pressure.

Speaking on a podcast after his return to the BBL, Shadab said that similar pressure is felt in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as well, adding that friends remember defeats against each other for years. “When you play against teammates and friends, the pressure is different and more intense,” he remarked.

This season is particularly special for Shadab as it marks his return to competitive cricket following a shoulder injury suffered in June. In three matches, he has taken six wickets and scored 75 runs, with his standout performance coming against Brisbane Heat, where he claimed four wickets for 24 runs.

Shadab also shared his views on Australian conditions, saying that the larger grounds and extra bounce make them suitable for spinners, allowing them greater freedom in terms of strategy and execution.

He welcomed the increasing presence of Pakistani cricketers in the BBL, noting that fans are enjoying seeing more players from Pakistan in one of the world’s top leagues. “Now six or seven Pakistani players are participating, each with their own fan base, and people love watching them compete at the highest level,” he said.

Reflecting on his career, Shadab said injuries have played a key role in shaping his path, leading him to focus more on white-ball cricket. He explained that longer formats were physically demanding, so he decided to concentrate on white-ball cricket in order to play more consistently for Pakistan.