Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has given a befitting reply to his own former players amid the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

He made this statement after the team’s big win over Namibia, when questions were constantly being raised about the team.

Mohammad Yousuf and Shahid Afridi, in particular, had made harsh comments about the team’s performance.

“We have beaten India once in World Cups”

After the defeat to India, the Pakistan team was under considerable pressure. Shadab said, “Criticism is something we can’t control. Every individual has their own opinion; they are free to have it.”

He further mentioned the 2021 World Cup, saying, “Our ex-cricketers have their own opinions. They have done well for Pakistan, and at the end of the day, they have also never defeated India in the World Cup. We were the ones who defeated India in the 2021 World Cup. In World Cups, we have beaten India only once. Yes, they are legends, but they have never done anything remarkable against India in the World Cup.”

It is worth noting that in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, under the captaincy of Babar Azam, Pakistan defeated India by 10 wickets, which is their only win against India in the World Cup.

What did Yousuf and Afridi say?

After the defeat to India, Mohammad Yousuf wrote on X, “Time’s up for Shaheen, Babar, and Shadab. Pakistan’s T20 squad needs new performers, not empty wins against weaker sides.”

Apart from this he said, “Unless we remove political influence and personal agendas from Pakistan cricket, we cannot return to the team we once were. This is the darkest period in our cricketing history, and my heart bleeds for it. Incompetent individuals must be removed from office and from the team.”

Whereas Shahid Afridi said on Samaa TV, “If it were up to me to make a decision, I would drop Shaheen, Babar, and Shadab. I would bench them all.”

And added, “They are all senior players who, in my opinion, have a responsibility to perform. You lose matches. But nobody loses like this. Nobody loses in such a one-sided manner. My point is, this is the Pakistan team; you have to fight.”

However, in the match against Namibia, Shadab scored 36* runs and also took 3 wickets. He also praised Indian batsman Ishan Kishan, saying, “In a high-pressure match, it’s all about how you get the start. India started well. They have a player, Ishan Kishan, who was in good form, and he played an excellent innings.”

Pakistan will now face New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka in the Super 8s. The team’s focus is clear: win the World Cup and respond with their game.