Shahid Afridi calls for dropping Shaheen, Babar, Shadab after India defeat

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has called for senior players to be dropped following Pakistan’s defeat to arch-rivals India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

India cruised to victory in the tournament round match, exposing Pakistan’s bowling unit, with both pacers and spinners failing to make an impact.

Chasing a target of 176, Pakistan’s batting line-up once again faltered, with only Usman Khan showing resistance while the rest collapsed cheaply — seven batters combined contributing fewer than 20 runs.

Speaking on a private TV programme after the defeat, Afridi urged the team management to bench senior players and give opportunities to emerging talent. He specifically suggested resting Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan for the upcoming match against Namibia.

“If I were in charge, I would sit Babar, Shaheen and Shadab out in the next game and give the boys on the bench a chance,” Afridi said. He added that senior players had been part of the side for a long time and failing to deliver in crucial matches undermined their place in the team.

Afridi also criticised tactical decisions taken during the match, questioning why Faheem Ashraf was not utilised with the ball and why “trump card” Usman Tariq was introduced only after the first 10 overs.