Former and current cricketers have expressed their disappointment after Pakistan were kicked out of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup despite a crucial Super Eight clash against Sri Lanka at the Ballekala International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
The 2009 champions, despite dominating with the bat, faced an uphill battle with the ball as they sought a place in the semi-finals of the ongoing tournament.
Finishing third in Group 2 of the Super Eights, Pakistan not only had to win the tournament but also had to do so by a considerable margin to overtake New Zealand on net run rate and progress to the knockouts.
Batting first, Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka helped Pakistan to a massive total of 212/8 in their 20 overs, thanks to a formidable opening partnership.
The new opening pair of Sahibzada Farhan and Faqar Zaman put on 176 runs before Zaman fell to Dushmanda Sameera in the 16th over, scoring 84 off 42 balls that included 9 fours and 4 sixes.
Farhan top scored for Pakistan with 100 off 60 balls with 9 fours and 5 sixes.
After a commanding batting display, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 runs or less to advance.
However, in reply, the hosts reached 207-6, five runs short of Pakistan’s required despite winning the match.
Shanaka scored 4, 6, 6, 6 off the first four balls of Shaheen Afridi’s over, the fast bowler delivering two dot balls to seal Pakistan’s victory.
Pakistan’s Test cricketer Ahmed Shezad took to social media platform ‘X’ to vent his frustration over the recent performance of the national team and management decisions.
Highlighting his frustration at years of lack of progress under the current system, Shezad criticized changes in the batting line-up and the influence of social media on team selection.
“Pakistan is officially out of the World Cup. We supported you when you supported the youth in the Asia Cup,” Shehzad wrote.
“You promised a strong middle order, but everything has changed, not for balance, but to adjust your own people and succumb to social media pressure. Three years into this system, still no progress. How much more time do you need? We are not progressing. We are falling,” he added.
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf used sharp wit to highlight both disappointment and hope for redemption as he reflected on his team’s recent struggles.
He candidly criticized the performance while looking ahead to the future.
“We announced loud and clear that we are going to the finals. They represent the final moments of a sinking ship. Do we have enough life jackets, or is this another Titanic? Don’t worry! #PSL is around the corner and this embarrassment will soon be forgotten as glory rises again,” Yusuf said.
Former Pakistan captain and veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has expressed his disappointment following the team’s recent performance, highlighting the frustration of fans and players alike.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi also expressed his disappointment following Pakistan’s early exit from the tournament, raising serious concerns about the direction of the national side and the overall quality of cricket in the country.
“It is a moment to think about the future of cricket in Pakistan. How can a country of our population produce eleven sub players at the highest level? Who will be responsible for restoring the pride and quality of the Pakistan national cricket team?” Afridi has questioned.
“The semi-finalists have done it on merit and congratulations to them for setting the benchmark,” he added.
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