Following a heavy 61-run defeat against India in the T20 World Cup 2026, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has voiced strong criticism against the team's senior players. The match, held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, saw Pakistan struggle in all departments. Speaking on a television show after the match, Afridi expressed his frustration with the team's performance and suggested that significant changes are necessary for the future of Pakistan cricket. He stated that the time has come to move past established names who are failing to deliver results.
Afridi Calls for Removal of Three Senior Players
During a discussion on a Pakistani television channel, Shahid Afridi identified three specific players who he believes should be dropped from the T20 squad. He named Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan as the individuals who need to be replaced. Afridi argued that these players have been given ample time and opportunities but have failed to produce the desired outcomes in high-pressure matches. According to him, the national interest should take precedence over individual reputations, and the management should focus on blooding new talent.
Criticism Extends to Son-in-Law Shaheen Afridi
The most notable aspect of Afridi's critique was his inclusion of Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is also his son-in-law, while despite the personal connection, the former captain didn't hold back in his assessment of the fast bowler's recent form. Shaheen was particularly expensive during the match against India, failing to provide the early breakthroughs expected of him. Shahid Afridi maintained that performance must be the sole criterion for selection, and no player should be immune to exclusion if they aren't contributing effectively to the team's success.
Mohammad Yousuf Supports Afridi's Stance
Shahid Afridi's views were echoed by another former Pakistan batting legend, Mohammad Yousuf. Taking to his official handle on X (formerly Twitter), Yousuf agreed that it's time to look beyond the trio of Babar, Shaheen, and Shadab in the T20 format. Yousuf suggested that their T20 careers might be reaching an end and advocated for a transition period where younger players are given a consistent run in the side. The consensus among these veterans suggests a growing dissatisfaction with the current core of the Pakistan team.
Statistical Breakdown of the Trio's Performance
The calls for exclusion are backed by the statistical data from the match against India in Colombo. Babar Azam managed to score only 5 runs off 7 deliveries, failing to anchor the innings. In the bowling department, Shaheen Afridi conceded 31 runs in just 2 overs without taking a wicket, which Importantly hampered Pakistan's defensive efforts. Shadab Khan also struggled, giving away 17 runs in his single over and failing to make an impact with the bat. These performances have been cited as primary reasons for Pakistan's inability to compete in the high-stakes encounter.
Implications for Pakistan's T20 Strategy
The public outcry from former cricketers has put the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the national selectors under intense scrutiny. With the T20 World Cup 2026 ongoing, the demand for a squad overhaul presents a challenge for the team management. The focus is now on whether the selectors will heed the advice of former captains and introduce fresh faces or continue to back the experienced players. The debate over the future of Babar Azam's leadership and the roles of senior bowlers continues to dominate the cricketing discourse in Pakistan.