Amid the T20 World Cup 2026, turmoil has erupted in Pakistan cricket. A war of words continues between players participating in the T20 World Cup and former players. In fact, Shadab Khan targeted former players, including Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Yousuf, stating that the former players were unable to achieve what he had achieved. Shadab had stated that his team had defeated India in the World Cup, while the former players had never been able to do so. Shahid Afridi has now responded to this statement.
What is the whole matter?
Following the defeat to India in the T20 World Cup 2026, a period of turmoil continues in Pakistan cricket. All-rounder Shadab Khan has come under fire from former players. Former players, including Afridi and Yousuf, had demanded that the team drop Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab. Afridi and Yousuf questioned their place in the playing eleven. In response, Shadab said that at least he was part of a team that defeated India in an ICC tournament, something the previous generation couldn't do. This statement has now become the root of the controversy.
Afridi and Yousuf's reaction came first.
After Pakistan's defeat against India on February 15 in Colombo, former captain Shahid Afridi demanded that the team management drop senior players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan due to their poor performance.
On the other hand, Mohammad Yousuf made similar comments, saying that the time of Babar, Shaheen, and Shadab is over and that the team management should test their bench strength and give younger players a chance in the playing eleven.
Shadab then took a dig at Afridi and Yousuf.
Pakistan defeated Namibia by 102 runs in the match played in Colombo. In this match, Shadab scored 36 runs off 22 balls and took three wickets, but his statement after the match sparked controversy.
Shadab responded to the criticism in a press conference, saying, "Former cricketers have their own opinions. They were legends, but even they couldn't achieve what we did. We beat India in the World Cup."
Shadab was referring to defeating India in the 2021 T20 World Cup. This is the only World Cup match in which India has lost to Pakistan. Furthermore, Pakistan has consistently lost to India. Pakistan has lost eight times in the ODI World Cup, while in the T20 World Cup, Pakistan has faced India eight times and won once.
Afridi's strong response
Former Pakistan captain and legendary player Shahid Afridi was not happy with Shadab's response. Speaking on a Pakistani news channel, Afridi said, "Shadab was absolutely right. We didn't win, they won." He earned respect, but he couldn't handle it. After what he achieved in 2021, he couldn't handle his internal issues, neither individually nor as a team.' Referring to the team's historic victory over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, Afridi said the team failed to handle that success.
'When times were bad, we stood together.'
Afridi also recalled that when Shadab's performance was declining, and there was talk of dropping him from the team, former players were the ones who supported him. Afridi said, "Shadab should also know that he was being dropped from the team when he wasn't performing. We were the ones who used to say on TV channels that Shadab is the backbone of the team, his overs are very important, and he can also bat. To be honest, Shadab is a very good boy."
'Respond with performance.'
Afridi clearly stated that in cricket, answers are given with bat and ball. He said, "A lot was said about us, too. We were even called 'damned'. We endured it all and responded with performance—not against smaller teams, but against bigger ones." Addressing Shadab directly, he said, "Shadab Mian, your performance was also good against Namibia. You should show it against New Zealand. Son, perform. We stood by you during difficult times. Answer us with a performance so that we too can be silenced."
PCB issued strict warnings
Shadab's statement displeased many former players. It is reported that through team manager Naveed Cheema, the PCB sent a clear message to Shadab to be mindful of his words and show respect to legendary players. Telecom Asia Sports, quoting sources, reported that the PCB, through team manager Naveed Cheema, conveyed to the all-rounder that he should not use harsh words against former greats. Cheema read out a message from the PCB, which read, "Shadab overstepped his bounds at the press conference. All former players, including his father-in-law, Saqlain Mushtaq, are respected Pakistani legends. He shouldn't have used such words."
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