Ahmed Shehzad Critiques Pakistan Cricket After India's T20 World Cup Victory

Following India's remarkable T20 World Cup victory, former Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has voiced strong criticism of Pakistan's cricket system. He highlighted the stark contrast between India's success and Pakistan's early exit from the tournament, calling for significant reforms within the team. Shehzad pointed out the flaws in player selection and the need for a reevaluation of ICC rankings, emphasizing that Pakistan's cricketing future depends on addressing these issues. His comments have sparked discussions about the direction of Pakistan cricket and the importance of performing under pressure.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 15:26 IST

India's Historic T20 World Cup Win

Former Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has sharply criticized the Pakistan cricket team following India's impressive defense of their T20 World Cup title. On March 8, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, secured a commanding 96-run victory against New Zealand.

This victory marks India's third T20 World Cup title and the first time a team has successfully defended the championship on home soil, highlighting India's dominance in the shortest format of the game.

Pakistan's Early Exit from the Tournament

In stark contrast, Pakistan was eliminated from the T20 World Cup after narrowly defeating Sri Lanka by five runs in their final Super 8 match, failing to surpass New Zealand's run rate. This disappointing outcome has led to criticism from former players like Shehzad regarding the team's inconsistent performances.

Critique of Pakistan's Cricket System

Following India's triumph, Shehzad expressed his concerns about the flaws within Pakistan's cricket system. He pointed out that players like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, despite limited opportunities, manage to perform exceptionally when it counts, while Pakistan struggles in crucial matches despite having talented players.

"Pakistan possesses a wealth of talent, but our system has significant flaws. Players like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan rarely get a chance, yet they shine when given the opportunity," Shehzad remarked during an appearance on the show 'Harna Mana Hai.'

"Meanwhile, Pakistan often secures victories against weaker teams like Kenya and Uganda, but falters in high-stakes matches. The ability to perform under pressure is what distinguishes true contenders from others," he added.

Calls for Reform in Pakistan Cricket

Shehzad further advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of Pakistan cricket, suggesting that the team's ongoing struggles in major ICC tournaments necessitate a reevaluation of their ICC rankings and a restructuring of domestic and selection processes.

"What level of cricket are we playing in Pakistan? We keep defeating teams like Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Uganda, and suddenly we find ourselves ranked number one among them," he stated.

"We should consider removing these top teams from the ICC rankings and create a separate ranking for only Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe," he proposed.

Scrutiny Following T20 World Cup Exit

In the wake of their T20 World Cup exit, Pakistan's cricket team has faced intense scrutiny, with calls for the removal of captain Salman Ali Agha and for a shake-up of underperforming players to enhance leadership and team dynamics.

Additionally, favoritism in player selection has come under fire, with critics arguing that personal biases and politics are hindering the inclusion of top talent.