Shahid Afridi reacts to Shadab Khan’s statement after the win over Namibia in T20 World Cup 2026. He said that it is important to maintain respect and answer the critics with the performance against New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka in the Super 8.
Shahid Afridi on Shadab Khan Statement: Shahid Afridi has reacted to the statement made by Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan after the win over Namibia. He reminded Shadab of the challenge of managing success and said that as difficult as it is to gain respect, it is even more difficult to maintain it. Not only this, Afridi also told Shadab to talk less and show it by performing in big matches.
Shadab’s statement after victory over Namibia
In the Group A match of the 2026 T20 World Cup, Pakistan defeated Namibia by 102 runs in Colombo. After this victory, 27 year old Shadab was asked by the media about the criticism of former players like Afridi and Mohammad Yusuf. Shadab, in reply, reminded that he was part of the team that defeated India in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai.
Criticism from former players after the loss to India
After the defeat to India in the tournament on 15 February, Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Yusuf had suggested that Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab should be dropped from the team and the youngsters should be given a chance. However, under the captaincy of Salman Ali Aga, Pakistan made a brilliant comeback against Namibia and made it to the Super 8.
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Shadab’s all-round performance against Namibia
In the match against Namibia, Shadab Khan scored unbeaten 35 runs and also took 3 wickets. His performance was an excellent all-round show. Despite this, discussion and criticism started regarding his statement given in the press conference.
Afridi’s statement: It is also important to maintain respect
Afridi said, Shadab is absolutely right that we did not beat India in the World Cup, but his team did. He also got respect, but he could not maintain it. He said that after defeating India, the internal issues of the team were not handled properly. Afridi also reminded that when Shadab was not performing well, he had supported him on national television and called him the backbone of the team.
Son, we are not small, we play well against big teams – Afridi
Afridi said, I know Shadab, he is a very nice boy and always talks with respect. Even in our time, people used to criticize, but we responded with our performance on the field. We played well not against small teams but against big teams.
Challenge to perform against big teams in Super 8
Afridi advised Shadab to answer his critics with his performance against strong teams like New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka in the Super 8. He said, Shadab son, perform. We stood with you in your difficult times. You did not play domestic cricket, yet came to the national team. If you want to answer then give it on the field. Afridi also said, play well and let the World Cup end, after that we will say nothing. Let us tell you that Pakistan will play its next Super 8 match against New Zealand in Colombo.