As India secured its slot in the Super Eight stage with a resounding win at the R. Premadasa Stadium, the reaction in Pakistan has been swift and savage. Huda Shah, a Pakistani journalist and media personality famous for her political and social commentary, is among the strongest critics.
What Did Huda Shah Say?
In a video released by Huda Shah to her social media accounts after the match, Huda Shah spoke out vocally on the Salman Agha-led side. Her criticism focused on the players’ inability to engage in “fight” while chasing.
“This is the height of shamelessness,” Shah said. “You were going to lose, but you could have at least chased a little bit, you could have worked a little harder.”
#PAKvIND #WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/ZtfixKHEkE
— Huda Shah (@hudashahh) February 15, 2026
It gave her pause to wonder even more about the preparation of the team, mocking the players when they showed up to the game during their reported practices.
- Practice vs. Performance: “There was so much news about batting, bowling, fielding practice. But what did you actually practice? Definitely not batting,” she said, noting that the whole team didn’t even hit 100 runs at first (Pakistan ended up getting bundled out for 114).
- The “Boycott” Comment: Shah also addressed the pre-tournament dispute in which Pakistan had first proposed boycotting for an IPL issue. She added, “It would have been better if we had not taken back the decision of not playing. At least we’d’ve never had to suffer this heartbreak and humiliation.”
Who is Huda Shah?
Huda Shah is an established face in the Pakistani mainstream media industry. She has gained a reputation for:
- Direct News Breakdown: No stranger to cutting-edge takes during live debates.
- Diverse Commentary: She may be trending for sports today, but she writes frequently on political and social topics.
- Influencing Media: Her viral video on X (formerly Twitter) with the hashtag #WorldCup2026 has resulted in thousands of views, resonating with a frustrated Pakistani fanbase.
The Match Context
The criticism follows a lopsided affair in Colombo. India recorded a competitive 175/7 led by ruthless 77 played by Ishan Kishan. Thus Pakistan's batting lineup fell apart under the pressure of India's bowling attack, with Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel. The 61-run margin of defeat is being seen as one of the most lopsided meetings in modern World Cup history.
Wider Backlash in Pakistan
Huda Shah is not alone in her anger. The former pacer Shoaib Akhtar also sent a stinging reprimand, with a particularly pointed swipe at PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the team management. Yet it is Shah’s exhortation to “at least try losing properly” that sets up the signature line for all fans fed up of seeing the same old collapses against their arch-rivals.
