“They have never done anything remarkable against India” - Shadab Khan hits out at former cricketers

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has strongly reacted to the sharp criticism of senior cricketers after Pakistan’s 61-run defeat to their arch-rivals India in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on Sunday, February 15, in Colombo.

After Pakistan suffered a thumping defeat to their arch-rivals, former cricketers Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Yousuf questioned the form and selection of senior players, including the all-rounder Shadab Khan.

In the post-match press conference after the game against Namibia, Shadab was quick to react to the criticism, stating that even the former cricketers failed to bag victories against India in World Cup history.

“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,” Shadab told reporters. 

"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,” he added.

“As for criticism, you can’t control it. Everyone has their own opinions. I think since I came back, there was just one over where things didn’t go well, and because of that, I faced a lot of criticism. But I don’t need to justify that. I focus on what I can control. A bad day or a bad over can happen. It’s T20 cricket, you can give runs, or you can take wickets. I don’t think too much about it,” he concluded.

In the last group stage fixture against Namibia, Shadab Khan, who batted at No.5, scored 36* runs off 22 balls with a four and three sixes as Pakistan posted 199/3 in 20 overs. Moreover, with the ball, he pocketed three wickets for 19 runs in his four-over spell.

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