“Free Ke Paise Le Raha Hai Kya Bhai?” Mohammad Kaif Slams Mike Hesson Over Pakistan’s Failure Against India

Pakistan have reached the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 after a commanding win over Namibia, but the qualification has not eased the criticism surrounding their campaign.

Instead, questions over tactics, team selection and match awareness have intensified, with former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif launching a sharp attack on head coach Mike Hesson.

Kaif questions team strategy and clarity

Pakistan chose to bat in their must-win Group A game against Namibia, a decision that worked perfectly. However, the earlier call to field first against India has become the focal point of the debate. Kaif said the blame should not fall on captain Salman Ali Agha and directed his criticism at the coaching staff.

"Leave Salman Ali Agha, what is Mike Hesson doing? Mike Hesson has coached in the IPL. He coaches all over the world. What is he telling them, to field first against India? Free ke paise le raha hai kya bhai? (Are you taking the money for free?)," questioned Kaif, speaking on his own YouTube channel.

He further added, "I can understand that it is the first World Cup for Agha and all that, he can be in doubt. But does Hesson not know what is supposed to be done on that slow pitch?"

The matches in Sri Lanka have largely been played on slower surfaces, very different from batting-friendly conditions in India, making the toss decision even more scrutinised.

India defeat triggered the backlash

At the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Pakistan elected to bowl after winning the toss against India. The move backfired badly as India piled up 175, a total that proved far above par on the sluggish surface. Pakistan never recovered in the chase and were dismissed for just 114.

The heavy loss intensified scrutiny on tactical awareness, especially given the nature of the pitch.

Namibia win keeps Pakistan alive

In contrast, Pakistan reversed their approach in the final group match at the Sinhalese Sports Club. Opting to bat first, they posted a massive 199 in 20 overs, powered by a century from Sahibzada Farhan. The bowlers then dominated Namibia to secure a 102-run victory and confirm qualification for the Super 8.

The dramatic turnaround highlighted how conditions heavily favoured the team batting first, reinforcing criticism of earlier decisions.

Selection choices also questioned

Kaif also took aim at the team combination, particularly the handling of spinner Abrar Ahmed.

"He dropped Abrar after making him bowl in the powerplay. It was you who took the wrong call; the leg-spinner was supposed to come after the power play," Kaif said.

Pakistan now head into the Super 8 where they will face New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka. While progression keeps their title hopes alive, the pressure on the coaching staff and leadership remains firmly in place, with performances in the next round likely to decide whether the criticism fades or intensifies.