The aftermath of Pakistan’s underwhelming performance in the T20 World Cup 2026 has shifted from the pitch to the studios, sparking a heated war of words between the legends of the past and the stars of the present. Following a heartbreaking loss to India, the internal friction within Pakistan cricket reached a boiling point when all-rounder Shadab Khan took a pointed swipe at former cricketers who questioned his place in the squad.
However, the legendary Shahid Afridi, never one to mince words, has fired back with a blunt reality check, reminding the current generation that winning one match against India does not grant them immunity from criticism.
Shadab Khan’s “sly dig” at the former Pakistan cricketers’ opinions
The tension began during a post-match press conference where Shadab addressed the wave of vitriol from former stars. Instead of focusing solely on the team’s tactical failures in 2026, Shadab chose to highlight a historic achievement to deflect the current pressure. He pointedly reminded his critics that while they may be “legends,” his generation achieved what the teams of the 90s and 2000s could not: beating India in a World Cup.
“Criticism is not in our hands; former cricketers have their own opinions. They were legends, but even they could not do what we have done. We have beaten India in a World Cup,” Shadab stated in the post-match press conference.
Shadab was referring to the 2021 T20 World Cup victory, a win that broke a decades-long jinx. For the all-rounder, this milestone should earn the current core more respect and patience. He dismissed the obsession over a dip in form, stating that in T20 cricket, outcomes are often volatile and beyond personal control.
Shahid Afridi rebukes Shadab’s defensiveness over poor show in T20 World Cup 2026’s group stage
Afridi, appearing on Samaa TV, did not take the sly dig lightly. While acknowledging that the 2021 win was significant, Afridi argued that the current squad has failed to handle the stature and respect that came with that victory.
“Shadab said absolutely right. We didn’t win, they won. They got respect, but they couldn’t handle that respect. After 2021, they couldn’t manage their internal problems—neither individually nor as a team,” Afridi remarked with palpable sarcasm.
Afridi further reminded Shadab of the support he received from the very experts he is now criticizing. He noted that when Shadab’s form slumped and he faced being dropped, it was the former players on TV channels who defended him as the “backbone” of the team.
The former captain’s most biting critique cantered on the quality of opposition. Afridi challenged Shadab to stop living off the glory of past wins against smaller teams and deliver when the stakes are highest.
“Shadab miyaan, your performance was against Namibia; now do it against New Zealand. Son, perform. We stood by you in tough times. Answer us with performances so that we become silent. Once you perform, we will go quiet ourselves, son,” he added.
Afridi concluded by noting that his generation faced even harsher criticism—often being told “Lanat hai” (shame on you)—but they chose to respond through match-winning performances against top-tier nations rather than press conference retorts. As the dust settles on the 2026 tournament, the divide between Pakistan’s past and present looks wider than ever.
Shahid Afridi on Shadab Khan’s statement about Ex-cricketers.
“Shadab is right, we didn’t win against India in WC, they won in 2021. They received respect, but they couldn’t uphold it”.
— Salman. (@TsMeSalman) February 19, 2026
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