Experienced all-rounder Shadab Khan has responded to criticism from former cricketers after Pakistan secured its place in the Super Eight stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
Speaking at a press conference, Shadab Khan said that criticism was beyond the team’s control and reminded reporters that they had defeated arch-rivals in a T20 World Cup match.
The all-rounder said former cricketers were legends entitled to their opinions, but noted that even they had not achieved what the current team managed by beating India in an ICC event.
“Criticism is not in our hands. Former cricketers have their own opinions. They were legends, but even they could not do what we have done. We have beaten India in a World Cup,” he said.
Shadab clear n shut message to our legends and Ex cricketers#ShadabKhan pic.twitter.com/cd6GxyhGJW
— Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) February 18, 2026
It is worth noting that Shadab, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Shah Afridi received heavy criticism after the neighboring country defeated the Green Shirts by 61 runs in a group-stage encounter.
Former captain Shahid Afridi said that if he had the authority to make changes, he would drop experienced cricketers Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shadab Khan from the playing XI.
Afridi argued that senior players continue to receive backing despite failing to deliver performances on the field when the team needs them most in crucial, high-pressure encounters.
He said senior players are being selected regularly but are not performing, and urged selectors to provide opportunities to young and emerging players instead.
Legendary batter Mohammad Yousuf also criticized Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shadab Khan for their poor performance in the crucial match against their arch-rivals.
The former right-handed batter wrote on his social media platform that it is time to give opportunities to new performers in the T20I squad instead of persisting with senior players.
