Pakistan’s crushing 61-run defeat to India in the T20 World Cup has triggered sharp criticism from several former cricketers, with under-fire batter Babar Azam at the centre of the storm.

The loss in Colombo has intensified scrutiny on Babar, senior spinner Shadab Khan and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, all of whom failed to deliver in a high-stakes encounter. While India piled up 175 riding on a blistering 77 from Ishan Kishan, Pakistan’s batting crumbled under sustained pressure.

Former captain Shahid Afridi did not mince words.

“If it was in my hands, I would not pick Babar, Shadab and Shaheen again in the T20 team. They have had plenty of chances but failed again,” Afridi said, calling for a transition towards younger players.

Shaheen conceded 31 runs in two overs, while Babar fell for five attempting an ambitious slog with Pakistan struggling at 13 for 3 in a steep chase of 176.

Batting legend Javed Miandad lamented the team’s inability to handle pressure.

“In big matches, players have to show character. Unfortunately, our players didn’t show that character,” he said.

Even long-time Babar supporter Mohammad Yousuf suggested it might be time for change.

“Time’s up for Shaheen, Babar and Shadab. Pakistan’s T20 squad needs new performers, not empty wins against weaker sides,” Yousuf wrote on social media.

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar questioned Babar’s superstar reputation.

“You have made a superstar out of a player who cannot win you a game,” Akhtar said, adding that Pakistan cricket has suffered from years of inadequate planning and investment.

Ahmed Shehzad, another outspoken critic, hinted that Babar’s T20 career might be nearing its end.

“Maybe it was his last dance to prove his worth in this format,” Shehzad posted.

The disappointment extended beyond former players. Social media reactions reflected widespread frustration, with some fans even suggesting the team should have adhered to boycott calls rather than endure another defeat to India.

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Former captain Moin Khan conceded that India currently holds a clear edge across formats.

“We always hope, but somewhere deep dow,n there is a feeling that Indian players will step up in big moments. They are simply ahead of us right now,” Moin said.

Miandad also questioned the team combination, expressing surprise at Pakistan fielding only one frontline pacer.

“Why wasn’t Faheem Ashraf used? Playing six spinners, what kind of strategy is that?” he asked.

Former skipper Rashid Latif admitted that optimism before the match was fueled by consecutive wins over the USA and the Netherlands.

“There were genuine reasons for optimism. The team looked more aligned with modern T20 cricket under coach Mike Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha,” Latif said. “But we forgot how strong this Indian team is. They are built for big matches, and yesterday it was clear our planning went wrong.”

Pakistan must now regroup quickly as their hopes of progressing further in the tournament hang in the balance.