'Free ke paise le raha hai kya bhai?' Pakistan coach under fire after loss against India in T20 World Cup
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Pakistan's cricket team has come under intense scrutiny following their loss to India in the T20 World Cup group stage. The match, which saw Pakistan field first on a pitch known to slow down over time, raised questions about the tactical decisions made by head coach Mike Hesson. Mohammad Kaif, a former Indian cricketer, criticized Hesson for not utilizing his extensive coaching experience—especially his IPL background—to make better strategic choices. Kaif questioned why Pakistan chose to field first, suggesting it was a surprising decision given Hesson's expertise.
The criticism extends beyond just the decision to field first. Kaif pointed out specific missteps during the match, such as bringing Abrar into the power play and handling spinner Usman Tariq incorrectly. These decisions seemed to highlight a lack of clarity in Pakistan's bowling strategy, which ultimately contributed to their loss. Despite these issues, Pakistan managed to progress to the Super 8 stage after defeating Namibia in their final Group A match.
The broader context of Pakistan's campaign has been marked by inconsistency. They narrowly avoided an upset against the Netherlands in their opening game and struggled heavily against India. While they secured a Super 8 spot, their performance has drawn concern from both former players and supporters. The team's reliance on spin bowling, led by captain Salman Ali Agha, initially worked but failed to maintain control as India took charge of the match.
Moving forward, Pakistan faces tough opponents in the Super 8 stage, including New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka. The criticism they are facing now could impact their confidence going into these crucial matches. For fans and analysts alike,
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026