Afridi Tells Shadab Khan: “Perform on the Field, Let Criticism Rest”

Post by : Saif Nasser

Pakistan cricket star Shahid Afridi recently made a strong public reaction to comments made by his younger teammate Shadab Khan during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The exchange has drawn attention in cricket circles and sparked discussion among fans.

The row began after Pakistan’s heavy loss to India in one of the group stage matches of the World Cup. Following the defeat, former players including Afridi and Mohammad Yousuf openly criticised the current Pakistan team for its performance. They highlighted issues with batting, bowling, and consistency at the highest level of competition.

In response to that criticism, Shadab Khan made a remark reminding everyone that Pakistan had achieved something the legends did not: a World Cup win against India in 2021. He said that even though former greats are respected and have their own views, the current players “beat India in a World Cup”, which was meant to show pride in past success.

Afridi did not take kindly to this exchange. In a clear message aimed at Shadab, he told him to focus less on talking and more on performing in the matches that matter most. Afridi pointed out that beating Namibia, while important, was not the same as doing well against stronger teams still to come, such as New Zealand and England. He urged Shadab to prove his value on the field rather than in statements to the media.

Afridi also reminded Shadab that when his form was not at its best in the past, senior players had stood by him and supported him rather than only offering criticism. Now, Afridi believes Shadab should show his skills in big matches to silence critics naturally.

The comments from both players reflect deeper feelings in Pakistan’s cricket community about expectations, respect for legends, and how players respond to pressure. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also stepped in, advising Shadab to be careful with his comments about former players and to focus on cricket rather than off-field debates.

For many fans, this moment is a reminder that cricket is more than just runs and wickets. It is also about team spirit, respect for history, and how individual players handle public pressure. As the tournament moves into the Super 8 stage, performances on the field will speak louder than words.

With Pakistan set to face tough opponents next, all eyes will be on whether Shadab and his teammates can answer Afridi’s challenge with strong cricket and help their team go further in the World Cup.