Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has called for major changes to Pakistan’s playing XI after their disappointing loss to India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.
Speaking in a recent interview on a local news channel, Shahid Afridi openly criticized the team’s performance and suggested that senior players Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan should be benched for the upcoming match against Namibia.
“If I were to make the decision, I would bench Babar, I would bench Shaheen, and I would also bench Shadab. I would play the new boys and give the youngsters a chance. For our match against Namibia, I would back them, give them confidence, and let them play,” Afridi said.
Afridi questioned the continued reliance on senior players despite inconsistent performances. He said the team has depended on the same group for too long and argued that younger players deserve opportunities, especially when experienced players are not delivering in key matches.
“We have been watching the same players for so long. Whenever we expect them to deliver in big matches, especially as senior players, they don’t always perform. If the seniors are not delivering, why not give the juniors sitting outside a chance?” he added.
Pakistan, the 2009 champions, chose a spin-heavy bowling attack after winning the toss and electing to field, hoping to take advantage of the conditions.
The plan did not work as India’s batting lineup dominated the innings. Ishan Kishan led the charge with an aggressive half-century, helping India post 175-5 in 20 overs.
Pakistan’s spin duo, Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan, struggled. Abrar gave up 38 runs in three overs, while Shadab conceded 17 runs in a single over. Neither bowler took a wicket. Captain Salman Ali Agha later described their performance as an “off-day.”
Among the fast bowlers, Shaheen Afridi was the only one to make an impact, finishing with figures of 1-31 in two overs.
Chasing 176, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure. The team was bowled out for 114 in 18 overs after a poor start. Agha admitted that early wickets put the team on the back foot and forced them to play catch-up throughout the innings.
