Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has responded strongly to criticism from former cricketers following the team’s heavy loss to India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistan suffered a 61-run defeat to India in Colombo — their fourth consecutive loss to the arch-rivals after three defeats in the Asia Cup 2025. The result put their Super Eights qualification in jeopardy and triggered sharp criticism from former stars including Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Akhtar.
“Unhone Bhi Kuch Nahi Kiya…”
Addressing the media after Pakistan’s win over Namibia, Shadab defended the current squad and pointed out that even past legends had struggled against India in ICC tournaments.
“Individually they were great legends, but if we talk about the team’s record in World Cups, they also didn’t achieve much against India,” Shadab said during the press conference. He also reminded critics that it was the current generation that defeated India in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Several former players had called for a change in approach and even suggested benching senior players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab himself after the India loss.
Strong Comeback Against Namibia
Pakistan bounced back emphatically, thrashing Namibia by 102 runs to seal their place in the Super Eights. Opener Sahibzada Farhan smashed an unbeaten 100 off 58 balls — only the second T20 World Cup century by a Pakistani batter.
Chasing a 200-run target, Namibia were bowled out for 97, with spinner Usman Tariq claiming four wickets to secure Pakistan’s biggest win margin in T20 World Cup history.
While the India defeat sparked controversy, Pakistan’s dominant comeback has kept their campaign alive — and Shadab’s fiery remarks have added further intensity to the rivalry narrative.