In the T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India, Pakistan faced a disappointing 61-run defeat at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Star batsman Babar Azam once again struggled, managing only five runs from seven deliveries before being dismissed. Following the match, a wave of criticism emerged from former Pakistani cricketers aimed at Babar, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shadab Khan.
Shahid Afridi, the former all-rounder, voiced strong opinions, stating he wouldn’t have selected the trio for the T20 squad. “If I had the choice, I would not include Babar, Shadab, and Shaheen in the T20 team. They’ve had numerous opportunities to perform for Pakistan but once again let us down yesterday,” he remarked.
Batting legend Javed Miandad echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that players need to show resilience in significant matches. “In crucial games, players must exhibit character, but sadly our team fell short,” noted the 68-year-old cricketer.
Mohammad Yousuf also weighed in, declaring, “It’s time for Shaheen, Babar, and Shadab to step aside. Pakistan’s T20 squad requires fresh talent, not hollow victories against weaker opponents,” he posted on social media.
Shoaib Akhtar, the legendary pacer, lamented the current state of the team, criticizing the adoration for Babar. “You’ve turned a player into a superstar who can’t secure wins for you. For the past 15-20 years, there’s been a lack of investment. It’s a bitter truth that while we once competed fiercely with India, now we can barely hope to defeat them,” he stated.
Currently, the Pakistani team stands third in Group A, having played three matches with two victories and one defeat, holding a net run rate (NRR) of -0.403 and four points. Their next match is set against Namibia on February 18 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Sri Lanka.