Shahid Afridi slams Pakistan senior players following the team’s heavy defeat to India in the T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo. The former Pakistan captain delivered a strong reaction after Sunday’s match, questioning the performances of the team’s experienced core.
At the R. Premadasa Stadium, India posted 175-7, powered by Ishan Kishan’s blistering 77. Although Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack slowed the scoring after the openers fell, the total proved more than enough.
In reply, Pakistan were dismissed for 114 in 18 overs. India’s disciplined bowling sealed a comprehensive victory for the tournament co-hosts.
The result also extended Pakistan’s difficult record against India in World Cups. India has won eight of nine T20 World Cup meetings and all eight ODI World Cup encounters between the two rivals.
Speaking after the match, Afridi said he would drop senior players Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Shadab Khan if it were his decision to make. He described the defeat as humiliating and stressed that experienced players must perform in high-pressure matches.
Shahid Afridi said, "Drop Shaheen, drop Shadab, and drop Babar. They've always let us down in crucial big games. Try fresh faces against Namibia and give the new players a chance to build confidence".pic.twitter.com/6JPFIuKy0O
— Salman. (@TsMeSalman) February 15, 2026According to Afridi, the trio have long represented Pakistan and carry added responsibility as senior members of the squad. When key players fail to deliver, he argued, it affects team confidence and results.
Afridi also emphasised the need to create opportunities for emerging cricketers. In his view, if established names are not producing results, younger players should be given a chance to gain international exposure.
Read: India Beat Pakistan T20 World Cup Clash by 61 Runs to Reach Next Round
He added that he would have preferred Pakistan to field new faces against Namibia. Exposure at the global level, he suggested, is essential for building depth and preparing the next generation of talent.
The debate over team selection is not new in Pakistan cricket. However, the scale of the defeat has intensified scrutiny. Fans and analysts alike are now questioning whether the current core can deliver consistently in major tournaments.
Meanwhile, India’s performance highlighted the gap between the two sides. Kishan’s aggressive knock set the tone early, and Pakistan struggled to regain control despite brief spells of pressure.
India’s bowlers then capitalised on scoreboard pressure. Regular wickets prevented Pakistan from building partnerships, and the chase never gathered momentum. [Internal link: India vs Pakistan World Cup history]
Afridi’s remarks reflect a broader concern about accountability within the squad. Senior players are often expected to anchor performances in marquee clashes, especially against traditional rivals like India. However, team management decisions remain separate from public commentary. There has been no official confirmation of any changes to the squad following the loss.
