Home
The crushing 61-run defeat against India appears to be a definitive turning point for Pakistan team amidst the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The embarrassment has left the squad reeling, signaling what many believe is the effective end of the T20I careers for stalwarts Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. With the team's survival on the line, the Pakistan management is now forced to consider a radical overhaul ahead of their must-win encounter against Namibia.
Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi to be dropped from Pakistan's playing XI?
Public and professional patience has reached a breaking point, with several former cricketers now vocally demanding that Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan be benched for the final group match on February 18. This wave of criticism stems from a series of underwhelming performances that have left the national side in a precarious position within Group A, stripping the big names of their once-undisputed status in the starting XI.
The statistics from the Colombo clash paint a grim picture of the veteran’s contributions. Babar Azam struggled significantly, departing with just 5 runs to his name, while the middle order offered little resistance. The bowling department fared even worse; Shaheen Afridi endured a nightmare spell, conceding 31 runs in a mere two overs, and Shadab Khan proved equally ineffective, leaking 17 runs in his solitary over.
Ultimately, Pakistan’s lack of composure allowed India to dictate the pace of the game from start to finish. This total collapse has not only bruised the team's ego but has placed them in a do-or-die scenario. To stay alive in the T20 World Cup 2026, the team must now navigate a high-stakes battle against Namibia while grappling with the internal fallout of their most high-profile loss.
The clash against Namibia on February 18, 2026, at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo will be a 'must-win' for the Men in Green. A loss would almost certainly result in an early exit from the tournament. With their sights set firmly on the Super 8 round, the team is reportedly prepared to take drastic measures to ensure survival.
According to reports from Geo News, the team management is seriously contemplating the monumental decision to drop Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi for this do-or-die clash. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to release an official statement, it is understood that the call has already been finalized within the dressing room. This bold move highlights the desperation for a tactical shift following recent failures.
Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi's torrid outing against India
The scrutiny on Babar Azam has intensified due to his dismal record against India. In his last five T20I appearances against the arch-rivals, the former captain has failed to even cross the 14-run mark. As the perceived backbone of the batting lineup, his inability to provide a stable start has repeatedly exposed the middle order to immense pressure, leading to a chorus of criticism regarding his consistency in high-pressure games. Similarly, Shaheen Afridi’s recent form has raised concerns, despite occasional flashes of brilliance. While he managed a solid 2/16 against Australia earlier this month, he has only secured a total of five wickets across his last five T20I outings.
ADVERTISEMENT
