Former Team India cricketer Wasim Jaffer faulted selective criticism from analysts at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Vocal critics of the hybrid model, that allows either India or Pakistan to play all competitive games outside each other’s borders have been silent so far.
Pakistan has played four (4) games in Colombo, Sri Lanka as of February 20, 2026 at the same venue. Other teams have had to travel for games against Pakistan while the Green Shirts hold an advantage over such teams.
Why is Jaffer Calling Out Critics Now?
Loud criticism trailed Team India’s decision to request a hybrid model during the ICC champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan hosted that tournament, but India played every game (including the final) in Dubai. Critics argued against an “unfair advantage” for India at that tournament, but have been quiet since Pakistan became a beneficiary of this model in 2026.
Jaffer calls out the hypocrisy and selective outrage from those commentators:
“Pakistan were based in Colombo and had already played multiple games there before facing India. Didn’t see many complaints then about scheduling giving teams an advantage, unlike during the Champions Trophy. Guess it doesn’t fit the narrative,” Jaffer said via his X account.
Jaffer Praises Underdogs for Inspiring T20 WC 2026 Outing, Calls for Points Addition
Wasim is closely following all major events unfolding at the ongoing T20 WC. The retired cricketer heaped praise on seemingly-lowly teams like Zimbabwe who put on a remarkable show to top their group at this tournament. Jaffer believes it is unfair for such teams to work hard and not carry extra points for immense effort into the Super 8s:
“Great to see Zim and WI top their groups. Slightly unfair that it counts for nothing in the Super 8s. Group toppers should carry 2 points forward as they’ve already beaten one of the Super 8 qualifiers,” Jaffer added.
Varun Aaron Sends Warning to Team India Ahead of Super 8s Clash
Former Team India cricketer Varun Aaron believes South Africa’s Marco Jansen should get special attention when both sides meet at the Super 8s:
“I just feel with their bowlers, I think Marco Jansen poses the biggest threat because he’s somebody who just doesn’t get bounce. He also gets a lot of deviation off the surface, especially away to Ishan and Abhishek. And if you talk about Ishan and Abhishek, they’re really good players, but if as a bowler you can get the ball to nibble away off the deck away from them, that’s where they slightly struggle.” the retired cricketer said during a recent interview.
Aakash Chopra Raises Alarm Over Ngidi, Rabada, Others as India Set to Face South Africa
Former Team India cricketer and popular commentator Aakash Chopra believes South Africa could spring surprises against India. The retired cricketer spoke on India’s upcoming Super 8s encounter against the Proteas, calling for stronger strategy against opposition bowler Lungi Ngidi:
“You will have to be wary of Lungi Ngidi. Lungi Ngidi is a dangerous bowler because he has a very good off-cutter slower one. (Lasith) Malinga, (Jasprit) Bumrah or (Dwayne) Bravo used to have that. His slower one dips a little and stays slightly far from the batter. He bowls with a slightly open action, but takes the ball away, and he is a wicket-taker,” he said on YouTube.
Chopra seeks extra attention for Jansen, Rabada, and Markram
The ex-cricketer also identified some Proteas players who could upend Team India’s smooth progression through Super 8s cricket. Chopra calls on more strategy towards handling South African players like Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Aiden Markram:
“Marco Jansen will try to bowl more into your body. He will use the bouncers a little. Kagiso Rabada’s overs are now finished early. He is not held back till the end, after what happened in the game against Afghanistan. They might bowl Markram with the new ball. If he bowls, Abhishek, take a single and go to the other end,” he added.
India should “win the toss and bowl first”, Chopra adds
Aakash believes his compatriots have a better chance of victory against the Proteas if they bowl first. Chopra seeks a change in approach for this game, since India has batted first in all their T20 WC 2026 matches so far:
“Win the toss, bowl first. India will have to go with that thought process, although we have batted first in all four games. Sometimes we have done it by asking and the opposition has made us do it on other occasions. The truth is that there is a danger of dew at the Ahmedabad ground. So chasing is always convenient, and if dew comes, it becomes easier,” he said.
