Shadab Khan (C) during a ceremony for appointing him as Punjab police's brand ambassador in Lahore on Wednesday. X photo

Pakistan’s cricket team spinning all-rounder Shadab Khan has joined the Punjab police as force’s brand ambassador.

In a statement released on X on Wednesday, the Punjab police stated that the star cricketer was awarded the coveted rank of Honorary District Superintendent of Police (DSP) by the provincial Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar and Additional IGP Sultan Ahmed Chaudhry.

The statement mentioned that Shadab has been appointed as the police force’s brand ambassador. It added that, following his appointment, the star cricketer was also informed about the working of different departments in the police force.

In response to the development, Shadab said he was excited to become part of the Punjab police force. He urged the youth to join government sectors and especially the police and play their role in the development of the country. “It is an honour for me to be appointed as a brand ambassador by Punjab IG. I am very happy to be a part of Punjab police,” he added.

Taking to X, the spanning all-rounder said, “I am honoured to be allowed to serve in a different way.” “We talk about change, let’s be the change we want to see. I encourage our next generation to join the government sector to serve the country if possible. Pakistan Zindabad.”

Some social media users denounced his appointment as Punjab police officer and reacted angrily. One user wrote on his X post, “Why don't you guys concentrate on the job for which you get paid? Apparently, you can do anything but play cricket.” “Shame on you for accepting this honorary rank. #ShameOnShadabKhan,” another user reacted.

Another user, Tanzeel, tweeted, “Congratulations on supporting the barbarism and fascist police department... You lost all the respect. First Haris now you.”

Shadab has been rested for the New Zealand tour as he suffered an injury. In a press conference on Tuesday, Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Selector Wahab Riaz announced that Shadab would not be part of the T20 squad for the New Zealand series.

"Shadab Khan is a very important member of Pakistan T20 cricket. Unfortunately he suffered an ankle injury [during the National T20] and requires two further weeks of rehab. After that, he'll be available to bowl."

The cricket fans were left confused as to why Shadab is not part of the T20 squad although his numbers in the shortest format are excellent.

It is worth nothing that pacers Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi have also been awarded honourary police titles.