‘They have never did anything against India; we defeated them’ - Shadab Khan hits back at Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Yousuf

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has responded to the sharp criticism from former cricketers Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Yousuf following the team’s underwhelming performance against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

It was a disappointing outing for the Men in Green as they suffered another loss against their arch-rivals in the World Cups. They have a disastrous record against India, especially in the multi-team events, and the T20 World Cup 2026 clash proved to be no different.

Afridi and Yousuf were among the few former Pakistan cricketers who publicly questioned the form and selection of several senior players, including Shadab. In response, Shadab defended both his own contributions and those of his teammates by pointing to the historic achievement that the current lot of players have managed.

“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 was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times. 

Shadab was referring to Pakistan’s memorable 10-wicket victory over India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, a rare World Cup win against their arch-rivals that has long been celebrated by Pakistan.

"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 further continued.

Meanwhile, Shadab had a brilliant outing against Namibia in their last group-stage match in Colombo on February 18. After being promoted in the batting order, the right-hander scored crucial 35 runs, while he picked up three wickets as well. After the match, he opined that what is being said outside is not in his control, but what he does or can do for the team is.

“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.

Pakistan have qualified for the Super 8 stage of the competition following their 102-run victory over Namibia. Salman Ali Agha-led side will now meet New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka in the next stage of the tournament.