Drop the Seniors: Shahid Afridi Demands Major Overhaul After India Drubbing.
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Shahid Afridi demands Pakistan squad overhaul
In a blistering critique following Pakistan’s heavy 61-run defeat to India in the T20 World Cup 2026, former captain Shahid Afridi has demanded a major overhaul of the national squad. Speaking on Samaa TV, Afridi expressed his deep frustration over the team’s lackluster performance at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15.
Key Points from Afridi’s Critique
- Senior Accountability: Afridi called for the immediate exclusion of seniors Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shadab Khan from the squad. He argued that despite being given numerous opportunities over the years, they have consistently failed to deliver in high-pressure “big matches”.
- Match Summary: India posted a total that Suryakumar Yadav’s men defended with ease, while Salman Agha’s Pakistan side “didn’t break a sweat” in a losing effort. Note: While the user mentioned Ishan Kishan, reports indicate India secured a thumping victory by 61 runs.
- Opportunity for Youth: The former captain emphasized that it is time to promote fresh talent and give juniors “sitting on the bench” a fair chance to represent the country.
- Building Squad Depth: Afridi urged the management to drop the underperforming seniors specifically for the upcoming match against Namibia to build the confidence of younger players and test the team’s depth.
The crushing loss has reignited an intense national debate regarding the leadership of the T20 core and the team’s strategy moving forward in the tournament
