Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has called for sweeping changes to the national side after describing the recent loss to India in the T20 World Cup 2026 as the worst defeat.
Speaking during a broadcast on Samaa TV, Afridi sharply criticized senior players and questioned the decisions made by the team management and captain during the high-pressure match.
The former all-rounder said that if he had the authority to make changes, he would drop experienced cricketers Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan from the playing XI.
Afridi argued that senior players continue to receive backing despite failing to deliver performances on the field when the team needs them most in crucial and high-pressure encounters.
He said seniors are being played regularly but are not performing, and urged selectors to provide opportunities to young and emerging players instead.
Afridi also criticized captain Salman Ali Agha, saying he did not captain well and failed to make bold decisions in the game, where pressure demanded stronger and clearer leadership.
Afridi further added that the Men in Green did not properly use their trump card Usman Tariq and missed key strategic opportunities that could have changed the direction of the match.
Afridi also questioned the wider cricket system, urging accountability at every level and calling for new players to be given chances instead of continuing reliance on underperforming seniors.
Meanwhile, legendary batter Mohammad Yousaf also criticized Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan for their poor show in the crucial match against the arch-rivals.
The former right-handed batter wrote on his social media platform that it is time to give opportunities to new performers in the T20I squad instead of trying these senior players.
Time’s up for Shaheen, Babar, and Shadab, Pakistan’s T20 squad needs new performers, not empty wins against weaker sides #T20worldcup
— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) February 15, 2026
