Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed strong disappointment over comments made by all-rounder Shadab Khan following Pakistan’s defeat to India in the T20 World Cup, sparking a debate between past and present generations of cricketers. In the T20I World Cup showdown against India on February 15 in Colombo, Pakistan endured a disappointing outing against arch-rivals India in a high-pressure group-stage encounter, suffering a heavy defeat. 

Chasing a total of 175, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed dramatically, folding for 114 in 18 overs. None of the batters managed to anchor the innings, except Usman Khan, who showed some courage with 44 off 34. The controversy erupted after Shadab defended himself and his teammates, pointing out that he had been part of a Pakistan side that managed to defeat India in an ICC event, but previous generations, including some of his critics, could not achieve. Hitting out at Shadab, Afridi emphasised that performances on the field should speak louder than statements off it.

"Shadab was absolutely right when he said that we didn't beat India in the World Cups, but his side did. They got respect after that, but they couldn't handle it. By the respect thing, I mean that after they defeated India, they could not handle the issues between them. Shadab should also know that when he was not able to perform for the team, we guys stood up for him on national television, saying he is the backbone of the team," Afridi said on Samaa TV.

"Even when we used to play cricket, ex-cricketers said a lot of things about us too. We tolerated it and responded with performances, not against small teams, but against big teams. We answered through performance,” Afridi said.

“Shadab, you performed well against Namibia; now do it against New Zealand. Son, give performances. In tough times, we stood by you. You didn't play aggressive cricket, yet you still made it back into the Pakistan team. Now respond with performances so that we also become silent. Perform, and once the World Cup is over, we ourselves will go quiet, son,” Afridi added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan are in the Super Eight, and they will face New Zealand on Saturday at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.