After Pakistan’s 61-run defeat to India in the T20 World Cup 2026, discussions have moved from the field to the press room. This loss, which was Pakistan’s biggest in T20I history against India, has led to a heated exchange among Cricket figures in Pakistan. At the center of this debate is a prominent all-rounder who has responded to critiques from two of the country’s cricket legends, Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Yousuf.
The fallout from the match has prompted calls for changes in the team’s lineup. However, the current player stands firm, reminding the veterans that while they are legends, the current team has overcome historical challenges that previous squads faced.
Star all-rounder responds to criticism from Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Yousuf
Shadab Khan, addressing the criticism from former players, made a subtle remark about those who have been outspoken about the team’s performance. While recognizing their impact on the sport, Shadab highlighted that they experienced difficulties against India in crucial matches.
“Criticism is subjective, and former players have their views. They were legends, but they didn’t achieve what we’ve achieved. We defeated India in a World Cup,” Shadab stated during a press conference.
His comments referenced Pakistan’s historic win in the 2021 T20 World Cup, where the team finally triumphed over India, a feat that had eluded teams from the 90s and 2000s, including those involving Afridi and Yousuf. Shadab believes focusing on one poor performance overlooks the overall success of their current group.
“I concentrate on what I can control in T20 cricket, whether it’s conceding runs or taking wickets. I don’t dwell on it too much,” he added.
Afridi and Yousuf call for a change in senior players
Shadab’s remarks follow a notable outburst from Afridi and Yousuf. Afridi suggested that selectors should consider dropping his son-in-law, Shaheen Afridi, along with Babar Azam and Shadab himself.
Yousuf supported this stance on social media, stating that current leadership has reached a limit.
“It’s time for Shaheen, Babar, and Shadab to go. Pakistan’s T20 team needs new talent, not hollow victories against weaker teams,” Yousuf expressed online.
The criticism is rooted in the belief that the current team, led by Salman Ali Agha, lacks the mental strength to perform against top competitors. With Pakistan’s situation in the T20 World Cup 2026 looking challenging, the gap between the present squad and the “Legends Club” is growing. It remains to be seen if Shadab’s response leads to improvements in the tournament or further complicates team dynamics.
