Monday, Feb 16, 2026 | 27 Shaban 1447
Monday, Feb 16, 2026 | 27 Shaban 1447
The cricket fans and players have reacted strongly to India’s commanding victory over Pakistan, as the Men in Blue secured their third consecutive group-stage win of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.
The Pakistani fans have been left heartbroken by the big-margin defeat in the highly-anticipated encounter.
India secured a commanding victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at Colombo, after Men in Green’s batting line-up crumbled in pursuit of a 176-run target, losing the match by 61 runs.
READ MORE: T20 World Cup: India secure dominant victory as Pakistan’s batting line-up collapses
In reaction over the humiliating defeat, former Pakistani cricket stars have also expressed disappointment.
Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja expressed his disappointment on social media, describing the performance as a “disaster,” particularly regarding the batting. He noted that India have utilised a consistent bowling attack against Pakistan for the past few years, yet the Pakistani batters have remained “woefully ordinary” with no visible signs of growth or improvement.
Former cricketer Mohammad Yousaf has called for changes in the T20 squad, saying that “time’s up” for senior players Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Shadab Khan. Yousaf said that Pakistan requires new talent capable of performing on the big stage, rather than relying on “empty wins” against weaker opposition.
Outspoken opening batsman Ahmad Shahzad slammed the national side’s performance, labelling it “pathetic” and a “sad story” for Pakistan cricket. Taking to social media, Shahzad criticised the management for persisting with the “same old faces” only to achieve the “same old results.”
He urged the authorities to stop “fooling the nation” and called for immediate changes to the World Cup squad, specifically advocating for the inclusion of Fakhar Zaman, Nafay, and Salman Mirza.
