ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has called for significant changes in the national team following Pakistan’s defeat to India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, urging selectors to consider dropping senior players and introducing new talent into the squad.
Speaking after Pakistan’s 61-run loss to arch-rivals India, Afridi expressed disappointment with the team’s performance, stating that several tactical and strategic mistakes contributed to the defeat. He acknowledged that India deserved to win the match, highlighting gaps in both execution and decision-making by the Pakistani side.
Afridi specifically named senior players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shadab Khan as candidates for being temporarily dropped from the lineup. According to Afridi, introducing younger players could inject fresh energy and help rebuild the team’s competitive edge.
He also criticized leadership decisions during the match, questioning captain Salman Ali Agha’s tactical choices. Afridi pointed to the handling of key player Usman Tariq, asking why he remained off the field for an extended period despite the pressure situation.
Additionally, Afridi raised concerns about bowling strategy, particularly the decision to give Shaheen Shah Afridi the final over despite conceding runs earlier, suggesting alternative options such as Faheem Ashraf could have been considered.
The comments come amid increasing scrutiny of Pakistan’s performance in major tournaments, with analysts and fans debating whether structural changes are needed to improve results against top-tier teams. Afridi said senior players had been part of the setup for an extended period but had struggled to deliver consistently in high-pressure matches.
Pakistan’s defeat has intensified discussions about squad selection, leadership strategies, and long-term planning as the team looks ahead to future international fixtures.
