Shahid Afridi issues fiery challenge to Shadab Khan over 'India World Cup' comment
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Shahid Afridi, Pakistan’s former captain, has challenged Shadab Khan following his recent comments about Pakistan’s victory over India in the 2021 World Cup. Afridi criticized Shadab for handling success poorly after the team’s win against Namibia in the 2026 T20 World Cup. He reminded Shadab that while former players like himself and Mohammad Yousuf had struggled to defeat India in World Cups, Shadab’s team managed it in 2021. Afridi also referenced his previous support for Shadab during challenging times, including when Shadab was not performing well domestically but still earned a place in the national team.
The tension between the two players stems from Afridi and Yousuf’s earlier suggestions to drop Babar Azam and other senior players following Pakistan’s defeat to India. However, under Salman Ali Agha’s leadership, Pakistan bounced back with a strong performance against Namibia, securing a Super 8s berth. Shadab played a pivotal role in this match, scoring an unbeaten 35 and taking three wickets, but his post-match comments sparked criticism from former players.
Afridi emphasized that while Shadab is a respectful individual, he needs to back up his words with performances on the field, especially during Pakistan’s upcoming Super 8s matches against New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka. Afridi urged Shadab to focus on delivering in these high-stakes games rather than engaging in public disputes.
This exchange highlights the delicate balance of leadership and respect within Pakistan’s cricket team, as well as the pressure to perform under scrutiny. It underscores how even minor comments can ignite debates among players, fans, and critics, making it a compelling story for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026