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“Brother, do you take money for free?” Pakistan coach under fire after loss to India in T20 World Cup. Cricket News – The Tech Word News

February 21, 2026
From left, Pakistan captain Salman Agha, Usman Khan and coach Mike Hesson before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between India and Pakistan at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (PTI photo) Despite progressing to the Super 8 of the 2026 FIFA T20 World Cup after beating Namibia in their final Group A match, Pakistan have faced criticism over tactical decisions, with head coach Mike Hesson under scrutiny from former players.Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif questioned Hesson’s role after Pakistan’s defeat to India in the group stage. Pointing to Hesson’s extensive coaching background, including experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other leagues, he said it was surprising that Pakistan chose to field first on a surface that tends to slow down over time, making it difficult to chase later in the match.

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Pakistan’s campaign was uneven. They narrowly avoided an upset against the Netherlands in their opening game before losing heavily to India. Despite securing a place in the Super 8, their overall performances have raised concerns among former players and supporters.“Leave Salman Ali Agha, what is Hesson doing? Mike Hesson coached in IPL. He coaches everywhere. What is he telling them (Pakistan team) to field first against India? Free ke paise le raha hai kya bhai? (You take money for free?),” Kaif asked on his YouTube channel.“I can understand it’s Agha’s first World Cup and everything else might be in question. But Hesson doesn’t know what to do on that slow pitch? You brought Abrar into the power bowl, got hit and then dropped him,” Kaif said.Kaif also questioned how Pakistan dealt with spinner Usman Tariq after the over. The bowler attracted attention with his act and was among Pakistan’s regulars in the tournament.“You were the one who made the wrong call; the spinner should have come after the over bowler. Usman Tariq’s action and all that was so much built up and you brought him in as the seventh bowler,” Kaif added.Pakistan relied heavily on spin against India and provided 18 overs of spin in the innings. Captain Salman Ali Agha also started bowling with the new ball.The plan initially worked when Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck early in the innings. However, after this breakthrough, Pakistan struggled to maintain control as India took over the match.Then Pakistan will face New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka in the Super 8 stage.

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