Reactions poured in from across the cricketing world after India secured a dominant victory over Pakistan, registering their third consecutive group-stage win in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday.
Ishan Kishan’s blistering 77 powered India to a total of 175-7 at the R Premadasa Stadium, where Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack managed only limited control after the opener’s dismissal. The co-hosts then bundled out Pakistan for 114 in 18 overs, sealing a comprehensive win and their third straight triumph in the tournament.
What Shoaib Akhtar said on Indian TV about the PCB chairman, if five former cricketers had said the same, a revolution would have come in the PCB. The problem is no one wants to speak up, fearing for their jobs or future opportunities. No one speaks for the country.
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) February 16, 2026
The defeat sparked sharp criticism from former cricketers and analysts. Former Test star Mohammad Yousuf, commenting on X, emphasized the need for accountability and fresh talent, arguing that Pakistan’s repeated failures against top-tier teams demand a new approach. “Time’s up for Shaheen, Babar, and Shadab. Pakistan’s T20 squad needs new performers, not empty wins against weaker sides,” he wrote.
شعیب اختر نے انڈین چینل پر بیٹھ خوف کے بت توڑ دیے۔
کہا کہ محسن نقوی جیسے incompetent اور جاہل لوگوں نے پاکستان کے سب اداروں کی تباہی پھیر دی ہے۔ pic.twitter.com/Lij3DXugGk
— Jimmy Virk – Imranian 🇵🇰 (@JimmyVirkk) February 15, 2026
Ex-Pakistan captain and former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja also criticised Pakistan’s batting collapse and the lack of improvement despite facing a familiar Indian attack. “Well, that was a bit of a disaster—especially batting! India have been fielding the same bowling attack against Pakistan for the last 2–3 years, and every time the batsmen have been woefully ordinary…no growth,” he said.
Shahid Afridi suggests dropping Shaheen, Babar, and Shadab, saying their seniority isn’t yielding results. He recommends giving opportunities to juniors, especially against Namibia, to see what they can do.#PAKvIND #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/kB3iGzoax7
— TEAM AFRIDI (@TEAM_AFRIDI) February 15, 2026
Former opener Ahmed Shehzad slammed team selection, calling for immediate changes ahead of crucial matches: “Pathetic cricket from Pakistan. Same old faces, same old results. Please don’t fool the nation anymore. It’s still time to bring positive changes in this WC. Fakhar, Nafay, and Salman should be playing now.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan highlighted India’s dominance: “India seem to intimidate Pakistan on the cricket field. They are better in all facets of the game and have a superior mentality for big occasions.”
Sohaib Maqsood defended Pakistan’s bowlers, stating: “Yes, the batters played poorly, but the bowling was largely to blame. It wasn’t a 180-pitch; even 140 could have been competitive. Why bowl first today after preparing on similar pitches against Australia?”
Former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews praised the high-voltage clash: “Colombo was lit tonight, but India were too good for Pakistan. A convincing win by them.”
Test cricketer Abid Ali also weighed in on the state of Pakistan’s T20 squad: “Reputation ≠ selection. Pakistan 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.”
