‘Be Careful What You Wish For’: Shoaib Akhtar Embarrassed After India Remark

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar suffered an on-air meltdown after Pakistan were handed a crushing blow by England in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Tuesday.

The defeat has pushed Pakistan to the edge of elimination, leaving them dependent on favourable results elsewhere to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Ahead of the clash, Akhtar struck an optimistic - and provocative - tone on the TV show Game On Hai, openly admitting his wish for an England off-day.

"I just hope England play poorly so we can take the two points happily. Our joy will know no bounds if India get knocked out and we make it to the semi-finals," Akhtar said before the match.

But that confidence evaporated after Pakistan were outplayed in Pallekele. In a video that has since gone viral, Akhtar vented his frustration and questioned the leadership of captain Salman Ali Agha, claiming the batter lacked the credentials to lead the side.

The outburst marked a sharp reversal from Akhtar, who had earlier backed the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to appoint Agha as captain.

England, meanwhile, became the first team to seal a semi-final berth. Chasing 165, skipper Harry Brook delivered a match-winning masterclass, smashing a breathtaking 100 off 51 balls to turn the game on its head.

England were reeling at 58/4 before Brook counter-attacked with a historic century - the first by a captain in T20 World Cup history - rescuing the chase from a precarious position.

Despite a late wobble and a superb spell from Shaheen Afridi (4/30), England held their nerve. Jofra Archer sealed the win with the decisive boundary as England finished on 166/8 in 19.1 overs.

After the match, Agha conceded Brook has long haunted Pakistan.

"Whenever we play England and lose, it's always him. Hats off to the way he batted. He plays all around the ground and makes it very challenging," Agha said, while also praising late efforts from Mohammad Nawaz and Tariq.

Pakistan now face a nervy wait for other results ahead of their final group match against Sri Lanka.

"Even if there's a one per cent chance, my team will go for it," Agha said, summing up Pakistan's desperate fight to stay alive in the tournament.