India, Jan 30 : Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja delivered a sharp critique of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s social media post lauding Pakistan’s 22 run victory over Australia in the first T20I at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The win marked Pakistan’s first T20I triumph over Australia in eight years, though the Aussies were missing five key players.
Shehbaz Sharif lauds Pakistan win
Following the match, Shehbaz Sharif took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise the team, highlighting PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and his staff for their efforts in strengthening Pakistan cricket. “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,” he wrote.
Jadeja’s blunt response
Ajay Jadeja, who represented India in 216 international matches, mocked the Prime Minister’s post, remarking on the unusual nature of a PM tweeting after just a single win in a bilateral series. His comments went viral on social media, with fans highlighting the irony given Australia’s depleted squad.
Australia’s weakened lineup
Australia played without Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, and Glenn Maxwell, all sidelined due to injuries, which some critics said tempered the significance of Pakistan’s win.
Match playing XIs
Australia: Travis Head(c), Matthew Short, Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe(w), Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha(c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan(w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed