Australia‘s marketing campaign on the T20 World Cup 2026 got here to an abrupt and disappointing finish, and the aftermath has sparked a fiery trade off the sector. After the reigning 2021 champions have been knocked out within the league stage, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif took a swipe with “mighty Aussies” — a comment that didn’t sit effectively with former Australia batter Damien Martyn.
Australia’s elimination was sealed when the essential Group B fixture between Zimbabwe and Eire was washed out as a consequence of persistent rain. The deserted match confirmed that the Aussies wouldn’t progress to the Tremendous 8 stage, marking solely the second time in ten editions of the T20 World Cup that they failed to maneuver previous the group part.
It was a match of missed alternatives for Australia. They started on a optimistic observe with a snug win over Eire, however successive defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka left them hanging by a thread. In the end, the climate had the ultimate say, forcing the group to pack their luggage sooner than anticipated.
Mohammed Kaif questions Australia’s “mighty” tag following their early exit from T20 World Cup 2026
Taking to social media platform X, Kaif mirrored on Australia’s latest ICC file since their 2023 ODI World Cup triumph. He prompt that the aura of invincibility surrounding the Australians had pale lately.
Kaif identified that since lifting the 50-over World Cup in 2023, Australia haven’t managed to clinch one other ICC title. They reached the semifinals of the Champions Trophy final yr and completed runners-up within the 2025 World Take a look at Championship ultimate, however silverware eluded them.
He additionally revisited the 2023 World Cup ultimate in Ahmedabad, claiming that had Hardik Pandya been accessible for India on that historic November night, the outcome may need been totally different. The comment rapidly caught consideration, with followers debating whether or not Australia’s dominance is certainly waning or just going by a short lived dip.
“Mighty Aussies they have been referred to as after successful the 2023 50-overs World Cup. After that that they had a pointy fall. 2024 World T20, 2025 Champions Trophy, 2025 World Take a look at Championship – they weren’t Mighty. If Hardik Pandya had performed the Ahmedabad ultimate in 2023, the Aussies would have misplaced there too,” Kaif wrote on X (previously Twitter).
Mighty Aussies they have been referred to as after successful the 2023 50-overs World Cup. After that that they had a pointy fall. 2024 World T20, 2025 Champions Trophy, 2025 World Take a look at Championship – they weren’t Mighty. If Hardik Pandya had performed the Ahmedabad ultimate in 2023, the Aussies would have…
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 17, 2026
Additionally READ: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla hails Zimbabwe’s rise after Australia’s dramatic exit from T20 World Cup 2026
Damien Martyn’s calm however agency response
Martyn, who not too long ago made a restoration after battling meningitis and being positioned in an induced coma, responded with measured confidence. Slightly than partaking in a confrontation, he selected to focus on Australia’s long-standing supremacy in world cricket.
In his reply, Martyn acknowledged that no group can stay on the high ceaselessly however reminded critics that Australia’s trophy cupboard nonetheless tells a compelling story. His message was easy but pointed — dynasties could expertise dips, however they don’t disappear in a single day.
Notably, Australia stay essentially the most profitable group in ODI World Cup historical past, with six titles to their identify. They’ve additionally received two Champions Trophy titles, one T20 World Cup, and one World Take a look at Championship. Martyn’s response subtly emphasised that one disappointing match doesn’t erase many years of excellence.
“Can’t be nice ceaselessly. However the cupboard seems fairly good. It would flip once more,” responded Martyn.
Can’t be nice ceaselessly. However the cupboard seems fairly good. It would flip once more.
— Damien Martyn🏏 (@damienmartyn) February 18, 2026
Additionally READ: Huge Bash League set for India debut as Cricket Australia explores plans to stage BBL 2026-27 opener in Chennai
