Overview:
Chopra challenged the Pakistan PM's praise for his team's victory, noting that Pakistan's score of 168/8 and a 22-run win over a weakened Australia didn't qualify as a "proud moment."
The 2026 T20 World Cup is set to begin in just a few days, and excitement is building as teams prepare for the tournament. Tensions between subcontinental rivals are already apparent, with the digital arena buzzing as the cricketing world gets ready for the much-anticipated event. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who often shares his thoughts on the national cricket team’s performances, took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate Pakistan’s win over Australia in the series opener. In his post, Sharif acknowledged both the players’ success and the efforts of the PCB leadership. However, his post quickly attracted criticism online, with former Indian opener Aakash Chopra pointing out how trivial the victory was in the grand scheme of things.
“Well done Team Pakistan for an electrifying performance against Australia in the first T20I. I also appreciate Chairman PCB @MohsinnaqviC42 and his entire team for their tireless efforts in strengthening Pakistan cricket. Proud moment for the nation,” Sharif shared on X.
Aakash Chopra, known for his candid and analytical approach to cricket, replied with a direct “with due respect” comment that quickly gained significant attention. He emphasized that the Australian team currently in Lahore is not the formidable squad that fans typically expect.
“With due respect…it’s a bilateral T20i against Australia’s B team. Many main players have given it a miss. And a 20-run win in a 170-run game can’t possibly qualify as ‘electrifying’,” he replied.
With due respect…it’s a bilateral T20i against Australia’s B team. Many main players have given it a miss. And a 20-run win in a 170 run game can’t possibly qualify as ‘electrifying’ 🫣 https://t.co/allr7esAbr
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 30, 2026
Australia arrived in Pakistan without five of their top players: Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, and Josh Hazlewood. These key figures were absent from the series as they focused on managing their fitness and workloads ahead of the World Cup in Sri Lanka and India.
Mitchell Marsh, who is the regular captain, was also absent for the opening match because of a delayed arrival following the Big Bash League final, which led to Travis Head stepping in as captain for the makeshift team.
Chopra challenged the Pakistan PM’s praise for his team’s victory, noting that Pakistan’s score of 168/8 and a 22-run win over a weakened Australia didn’t qualify as a “proud moment.” With Pakistan gearing up for the World Cup amid the ongoing boycott dispute, this exchange underscores the intensity of the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, both on and off the field.