Former Pakistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad has criticized all-rounder Shadab Khan after his comments on former cricketers during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Shehzad said that these comments were derogatory and unnecessary towards former players including Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Yousuf.
Shadab was heavily criticized after Pakistan’s defeat by India in the T20 World Cup 2026. Former players including Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi raised questions on his place in the team. The 27-year-old player scored unbeaten 35 runs and also took three wickets in the next match against Namibia.
Speaking after that game, Shadab reacted to questions about the former players saying that the veterans were unable to defeat India in the World Cup while his team managed to achieve the feat in 2021.
Firstly, you have come from a thief’s path – Ahmed Shehzad on Shadab Khan
Ahmed Shehzad questioned Shadab Khan’s place in the playing eleven and said that bias played a role in his selection. Shahzad said that Shadab was not a regular performer in domestic cricket, yet he kept getting support.
In a live debate during his appearance on Geo News, Shehzad said, “Ek to aap chor raste se aaye ho. (You came from the back door. You are neither a good player nor a regular in domestic cricket. Despite not performing at all, you are getting support. You did not even do rehab after getting injured. They took Hasan Ali out of the central contract, but not you).
Learn to respect your superiors – Ahmed Shahzad
Ahmed Shehzad said that Shadab Khan crossed the limits by criticizing senior players like Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Yousuf. Shahzad said the teams of the 1990s regularly dominated India despite losing in the World Cup.
“If that’s not bias, I don’t know what is. It doesn’t look good when you make statements like that. And you’re comparing yourself to the 90s team? They had their issues and lost to India in the World Cup, but they were much better than you.”
He said, “Look at their performance; they dominated India during that time. Just because two former players criticized the team, you suddenly forget the support they gave. So, learn to respect your seniors.”
You have no right to say such things – Mohammad Aamir criticizes Shadab Khan
Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Aamir said that Shadab Khan should focus on his performance. Aamir said players will always face scrutiny on tours and there is no reason to complain about it. He said that criticism motivated him to perform better during his career.
Aamir said, “If you are on tour, there will be criticism. So, when you are on tour, you have no right to say such things. Although we were criticized during the tour, my focus was on silencing those critics with my performance. So, if you are not performing, you should remain silent.”
Pakistan lost by 61 runs against India but bounced back with a win over Namibia to secure a place in the Super 8. The Salman Ali Aga-led team has been placed in Group 2 along with New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan begins its Super 8 campaign on Saturday, February 21 at R.K. Colombo, Colombo. He will play against New Zealand captained by Mitchell Santner at the Premadasa Stadium.
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