Reactions poured in from across the cricketing world after India secured a comprehensive victory over Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sealing their place in the Super Eight stage and putting Pakistan’s senior players under intense scrutiny.
India produced a dominant all round performance in Colombo, posting a competitive total before bowling Pakistan out comfortably.
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The one sided result sparked strong criticism from former players, analysts, and fans, many of whom questioned Pakistan’s strategy, selection, and execution under pressure.
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf called for major changes, in a social media post: “Time’s up for Shaheen, Babar, and Shadab. Pakistan’s T20 squad needs new performers, not empty wins against weaker sides.”
He also expressed deep concern about the state of Pakistan cricket, stating: “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.”
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Former captain Shahid Afridi criticised Pakistan’s decision making and senior players after the defeat.
“If I were making the decision, I would drop Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan. These players have been playing for a long time, but they don’t perform when expectations are high,” he said.
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Former all rounder Shoaib Malik questioned the decision making around Babar Azam’s batting position.
“If we go back a little, we used to say, Babar has strike rate issues when he used to open, and then you are moving him to No.4 position. The person who made this decision should be sacked immediately,” he said.
Former captain Rashid Latif noted, “4 or 5 players in the team don’t deserve their spots. Shaheen shouldn’t have been part of the squad.”
READ: How to watch T20 World Cup 2026 for free online
Foremr pacer Mohammad Amir raised huge questions around Babar Azam palying ahead of Fakhar Zaman.
“Fakhar Zaman is sitting out while Babar is playing at number 4. Why is he playing there when that isn’t even his position?” he questioned.
Pakistan’s top-order batter Abid Ali called for a major shake-up in the T20 squad.
He emphasized that past reputation should not guarantee selection, saying, “Reputation ≠ Selection. Pakistan T20 squad needs impact players, not passengers. Babar, Shaheen, Shadab and others must earn their spots through performance, not past glory. Fans deserve fight, not excuses. Time to reset.”
Other former players also voiced concern over Pakistan’s repeated struggles in major matches, highlighting tactical errors and lack of growth against familiar opposition.
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All three senior players, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan, were unable to make an impact in the match.
Babar scored 5 off 7 balls, Shaheen conceded 31 runs in 2 overs while scoring an unbeaten 23, and Shadab gave away 17 runs in an over while making just 14 off 15 balls.
The defeat has intensified debate about the future of Pakistan’s senior players and the direction of the national team, with growing calls for accountability, fresh talent, and structural reform as the tournament continues.
