Pakistan could make a bold call ahead of its next T20 World Cup match against Namibia. Reports suggest the team may bench former captains Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi for Wednesday’s clash in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
A source told TechJuice that frustration has grown inside the dressing room. Team management is reportedly unhappy with the recent performances of both senior players. The pressure intensified after Pakistan’s heavy 61-run defeat to India on February 15.
Defeats to India often trigger sharp criticism in Pakistani cricket. However, concerns around Babar and Afridi are not new. Their performances in high-pressure games have been questioned for years. This latest loss has only strengthened that view.
Babar walked in at number four against India with the team under pressure. Pakistan needed stability and calm. Instead, he scored just five runs off seven balls. He tried to slog a delivery from Axar Patel against the spin. He missed it completely and was bowled. Many fans saw the shot as careless and unprofessional.
Critics argue that Babar has often failed to deliver against big teams in pressure matches. Several important games slipped away when Pakistan needed him most. As a result, questions continue about his impact in defining moments.
The comparison with Virat Kohli also refuses to fade. Many fans once placed Babar in the same bracket. However, big-match performances separate great players from good ones. At this stage, Babar is not close to Kohli in that regard.
In 2022, Virat Kohli produced one of the finest T20I innings ever played. He scored 82 not out off 53 balls against Pakistan. India was 31 for 4 while chasing 160 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. More than 90,000 fans filled the stadium that night. Kohli stayed calm under pressure and guided India to a famous win. That inning did not just win a match. It reminded the cricket world why he is called the King.
Yesterday, on February 15, Pakistan found itself in a similar situation. Early wickets had put the team under pressure. When Babar came in, the moment demanded control and smart cricket. Instead, he attempted an aggressive shot against a spinner. Axar Patel bowled him, and the innings lost direction soon after.
Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi also struggled badly with the ball. He conceded 31 runs in just two overs. His economy rate was 15.50, the highest in the match. Indian batters attacked him confidently and did not allow him to build pressure.
Pakistan is considering changes to its playing XI for Wednesday’s clash. Fakhar Zaman is expected to replace Babar Azam, while Salman Mirza or Naseem Shah could come in for Shaheen Afridi, as management looks to refresh the team after recent disappointing performances.
After the defeat, head coach Mike Hesson admitted the team lacked discipline in key moments. He said players are forgetting the basics too often. He also stressed that improvement under pressure is now essential.
With a crucial match against Namibia ahead, Pakistan appears ready to rethink its playing XI. Dropping two former captains would be a strong statement. It would show that reputation alone is no longer enough in this T20 World Cup.