T20 World Cup: Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi Dropped After India Defeat

The Pakistan cricket team is facing a major overhaul following a crushing 61-run defeat against India at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. In a high-stakes T20 World Cup 2026 encounter, the Indian team dominated in all departments, leaving the Pakistani side struggling to keep their tournament hopes alive. According to media reports, the team management is prepared to take drastic measures, which include benching star batter Babar Azam and premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi for the upcoming must-win match against Namibia.

Statistical Breakdown of the Defeat Against India

In the match held on Sunday, February 15, India set a competitive target of 175 runs on a surface that offered assistance to both pacers and spinners. Pakistan's response was lackluster from the start, as the batting lineup collapsed under pressure. The team barely managed to cross the 100-run mark, eventually losing by a significant margin of 61 runs. The failure of the senior core was evident as the team lacked partnerships and failed to maintain the required run rate throughout the innings, while this defeat has severely impacted Pakistan's standing in the group table.

Performance Review of Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi

The spotlight has fallen intensely on Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who were expected to lead the team's charge, while shaheen Afridi struggled with his line and length, conceding 31 runs in just 2 overs without providing the early breakthroughs Pakistan needed. On the batting front, Babar Azam's poor run continued as he was dismissed for just 5 runs while attempting an aggressive shot early in his innings. Reports from Geo News suggest that the management has decided to exclude both players from the playing XI for the next game to accommodate fresh talent and address the lack of form among seniors.

Selection Changes for the Upcoming Namibia Encounter

Pakistan's next fixture against Namibia has now become a virtual knockout. A victory is essential for Salman Agha's side to remain in contention for the Super-8 stage. If Pakistan fails to win this match, it will mark their second consecutive exit from the opening round of a T20 World Cup. Along with Babar and Shaheen, the positions of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz are also under scrutiny. The team management is reportedly looking to introduce younger players who have shown promise in domestic circuits to revitalize the squad's performance.

Qualification Scenarios for the Super-8 Stage

The road to the Super-8 has become increasingly difficult for Pakistan. The heavy defeat against India has not only deprived them of points but also Importantly damaged their Net Run Rate (NRR). To qualify, Pakistan must secure a comprehensive win over Namibia and hope for favorable results in other group matches. The current atmosphere within the camp is described as tense, with officials emphasizing the need for accountability. The focus is now on whether the tactical changes in the lineup can produce the desired results in the final group stage game.

Growing Pressure on Captain Salman Agha and Senior Core

The disparity in performance between the two sides was stark, particularly in the bowling department. While Indian bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya effectively utilized the conditions to claim 4 wickets, the Pakistani attack appeared toothless. Captain Salman Agha is facing criticism for his tactical decisions and the inability of the senior players to rise to the occasion. According to team sources, the decision to drop high-profile players is a clear message that performance will be the sole criterion for selection moving forward in the tournament.