Shadab Khan Mocks Pakistan Legends With 'They Couldn't Beat India' Jibe Amid Backlash

Shadab Khan in press conference after win over Namibia. [Source - X.com]In a significant clash at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Wednesday afternoon, Pakistan crushed Namibia by 102 runs in their final Group A match of the T20 World Cup 2026, sealing a place in the Super 8 stage. Batting first, Pakistan piled up 199/3 before bowling Namibia out comfortably, ending the African side’s campaign without a single win.After their earlier defeat to India, another slip could have opened the door for USA to sneak into the Super 8. On a tricky surface, Pakistan handled the pressure brilliantly and delivered when it mattered most, on the back of Sahibzada Farhan’s century, which ultimately proved decisive.After the big win, the mood inside the Pakistan camp felt lighter. When Shadab Khan stepped into the press conference, there was a sense that he had something on his mind. The questions around recent criticism were expected, and this time, he chose not to stay silent. Shadab Khan Hits Back at Former Pakistan Cricketers After India Loss Criticism Pakistan’s heavy defeat to India at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday triggered strong reactions back in Pakistan. Several former players and legends openly criticised the current side, questioning their intent and temperament in big matches. The backlash grew louder as fans and experts dissected every mistake from the one-sided contest. When asked about the criticism from his own countrymen after their win over Namibia, Shadab Khan chose to respond firmly. He pointed towards Pakistan’s historic World Cup win over India in 2021 in Dubai, the only time Pakistan have beaten India in both T20 and 50-over World Cups. “I cannot control criticism. Former cricketers are legends, no doubt individually they were great but they could not do it for the team, that is why we are here. We beat India in 2021, which is something even they couldn’t,” Shadab said. Shadab’s statement instantly grabbed attention, as he defended the current squad while reminding everyone of that landmark 2021 victory. It was a bold response, underlining that this generation has achieved something previous eras could not against their biggest rivals on the world stage. Shadab Khan’s Response Sparks Debate as Mixed Reactions Follow Shadab Khan’s comments are bound to divide opinions. Yes, Pakistan’s 10-wicket win over India at the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai, powered by Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s historic opening stand, remains their only World Cup victory over India. It was a landmark night that rewrote history. But since that famous triumph, Pakistan has fallen short against India at every major stage, be it in Melbourne in 2022, Ahmedabad in 2023, New York in 2024, and now again in Colombo. That pattern naturally fuels frustration. Former cricketers, experts and fans feel they have every right to question repeated failures on the biggest platform. While Shadab’s defence of the current generation carries logic, reminding critics that past teams also struggled, the timing makes it controversial. Nearly five years have passed since 2021, and results since then have not supported bold reminders. In Pakistan cricket, such moments often add drama, something rival fans, especially in India, rarely miss enjoying.