From Mushtaq to Amir: Former Pakistani Cricketers Lash Out After India’s Defeat

New Delhi: India suffered their first defeat in the T20 World Cup 2026, losing comprehensively to South Africa by 76 runs in the Super-8 stage. Following the loss, several former Pakistani cricketers have publicly criticized India, offering their analysis and opinions on the match.

Pakistani Cricketers React to India’s Loss

• Mohammad Hafeez: The former Pakistan all-rounder said on a Pakistani sports show that South Africa had taken “revenge” for the 2024 T20 World Cup final, where India had defeated them to claim the title.
• Saqibul Mushtaq: Former Pakistani spinner Saqibul Mushtaq went further, claiming that South Africa had thoroughly humiliated India. He used strong words, stating that India was “rubbed” and “dragged” by the opposition, highlighting the comprehensive nature of South Africa’s victory.
• Shoaib Akhtar: The ex-fast bowler criticized India’s bowling attack, saying that it was exposed in front of South Africa’s batters.
• Mohammad Amir: Amir added that India’s team was exposed in the match, pointing out that it was the first time this World Cup that India batted second. He emphasized the absence of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and also questioned India’s top-order composition, particularly the lack of sufficient left-handed batters.

Context

Despite the criticism, Pakistan itself has yet to secure a place in the semifinals, with matches still to come against England and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, India now faces a must-win situation in their remaining Super-8 matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies to stay in contention for the semifinals.