Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s limited-overs vice-captain, was the center of attention at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday during the second One-Day International between the hosts and the West Indies. During the first innings of the match, a pitch intruder stormed onto the ground from the stands, and the star all-rounder was on the batting crease.
While everyone was taken aback by the person’s sudden and unexpected entrance onto the playing field, Shadab remained calm and gave the person a warm hug. The individual was overjoyed at the chance to meet the Pakistani cricketer and dashed back to the stadium to congratulate himself. On social media, a video of the same has gone viral.
Shadab Khan hugs spectators on the field and wins hearts
The first ODI between Pakistan and West Indies at Multan on June 8 (Wednesday) was a thrilling encounter, and the first innings of the second ODI between the two sides at the same venue proved to be the same, with West Indies restricting Pakistan to 275/8 in their 50 overs. Meanwhile, one of the talking points of the first innings was an incident involving a fan running onto the field.
With the score at 205/5 in the 39th over of the innings, Pakistan was in some trouble. Anderson Phillip’s run-up was halted as a spectator obstructed the play and ran towards Shadab Khan to salute him as he bowled the fourth delivery of the 39th over. Shadab, who was on strike, responded with a hug to the fan, which elicited thunderous applause from the audience.
Shadab Khan hugged the man who ran towards him from the stadium ❤️ , We'll gesture 🙌 #PAKvsWI #PAKvWI pic.twitter.com/jPYA69mkGV
— Teto Patiyaa 🇵🇰 (@Pola_620) June 10, 2022
Notably, this venue hosted its first ODI after a 14-year hiatus in the series opener. The home crowd has been missing international action at the stadium, as evidenced by the fan sprinting onto the field. And Shadab’s reaction to the fan’s action was a touching moment, demonstrating the bond that exists between fans and players.
Former West Indian cricketer Ian Bishop took to Twitter to praise the incident, describing the fan’s joy after receiving the hug from the Pakistani all-rounder as amazing.
“Great moment just now when a spectator ran onto the field. Instead of being violent with him (because it could have been dangerous, plus COVID), Shadab Khan hugged him and sent him on his way. #Beautiful. P: S, I understand all the reasons why that is frowned upon,” Bishop tweeted.
Great moment just now when a spectator ran onto the field. Instead of being violent with him (because it could have been dangerous, plus COVID), Shadab Khan hugged him and sent him on his way. #Beautiful. P:S,,,I understand all the reasons why that is frowned upon.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) June 10, 2022
