Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has addressed recent criticism from former captain and selector Mohammad Yousuf, following Pakistan’s win over Namibia in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Speaking to reporters after Pakistan sealed qualification for the Super Eights, Shadab Khan was asked about the backlash he faced after the heavy defeat to India.
The question stemmed from comments made by Mohammad Yousuf in an exclusive interview with ProPakistani on the How Does It Work podcast, where he openly questioned the mindset and accountability of senior Pakistan players, including Shadab, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi.
Yousuf argued that Pakistan cricket’s decline began after the historic 10-wicket victory over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup. He described that win as a “fluke” that led to overconfidence within the squad, claiming players became arrogant, stopped listening to head coach Misbah-ul-Haq, and started relying on reputation rather than performance.
In response, Shadab did more than just brush aside criticism, he revealed a mindset that many former players have been warning about for years.
“I can’t control criticism. Ex-cricketers are legends, no doubt. As individuals they were great, but they couldn’t do it for the team, that’s why we are here,” Shadab said.
We beat India in 2021, something even they couldn’t achieve.
While the famous victory over India at the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 was historic, critics argue that players like Babar, Shaheen, and Shadab are still living off the high from that on that one single night, conveniently using it as a shield against accountability rather than a benchmark to build upon.
The criticism resurfaced sharply during Pakistan’s ongoing T20 World Cup campaign, especially after their one-sided loss to India, where Shadab, Babar, and Shaheen once again struggled on the biggest stage.
Fans and former players openly called for sweeping changes, questioning whether senior players were guaranteed places regardless of form.
In the must-win match against Namibia, Shaheen Afridi was dropped from the playing XI, while Babar Azam, despite being selected, was not sent out to bat at any stage. Shadab, however, scored a few quick runs and taking three wickets, adding to similar contributions against minnows like the Netherlands and USA.
While Shadab’s performance has eased immediate pressure on his place in the side, questions remain about consistency and accountability, particularly in high-profile matches.
Here’s Mohammad Yousuf’s full interview:
