T20 World Cup 2026: ‘Disappear like mice’ - Irfan Pathan trolls Pakistan’s media after semi-final hopes fade

Published - 25 Feb 2026, 10:28 IST | Updated - 25 Feb 2026, 10:30 IST

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan lashed out at Pakistan’s troll media after Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semifinals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 were reduced to almost nothing. Pathan criticised sections of the Pakistani media for putting their own players under tremendous pressure.

He pointed out that the same outlets mock the Indian team whenever they lose a match but go silent when Pakistan faces defeat. Pakistan have managed only one point from their first two games. Their opening match against New Zealand was washed out due to rain, while their campaign has otherwise failed to gather momentum. Even if Pakistan win their final group-stage match against Sri Lanka, they can reach a maximum of three points.

At present, Pakistan’s qualification hopes depend heavily on other results and favorable weather conditions for a miraculous semifinal entry. Meanwhile, England have already secured their semifinal spot with four points. The remaining semifinal berth is now a contest between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, both of whom still have two matches left to play.

“This Pakistan’s team doesn’t handle pressure well. Pakistan struggles have a lot to do with their own troll media as well. They don’t genuinely support the team,they constantly put them under tremendous pressure. It’s all about “reach” for them,” wrote Pathan on X.

“They flood Indian social media timeline when India loses (which is rare), but disappear like mice when their own team loses. N here we don’t even care when they don’t play us. Unless we are working on that particular game,” he added.

This Pakistan’s team doesn’t handle pressure well. Pakstan struggles have a lot to do with their own troll media as well. They don’t genuinely support the team,they constantly put them under tremendous pressure. It’s all about “reach” for them.They flood Indian social media…

Pakistan put up a competitive total of 164/9 in their allotted overs. Sahibzada Farhan led the charge with a well-compiled 63 off 45 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes. He received useful contributions from Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Shadab Khan, who helped Pakistan reach a fighting total despite regular wickets. For England, Liam Dawson was the standout bowler, returning impressive figures of 3/24. He was well supported by Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton, who claimed two wickets each to restrict Pakistan.

In response, England found themselves in early trouble at 58/4. However, captain Harry Brook produced a sensational counterattack, scoring a magnificent 100 off just 51 balls. His innings featured 10 boundaries and four sixes and completely shifted the momentum. Brook stitched crucial partnerships with Will Jacks and Sam Curran, stabilising the innings and keeping England in the hunt. Despite late pressure from Pakistan’s bowlers, England held their nerve to clinch the match by two wickets with five balls to spare, sealing a dramatic victory.