T20 World Cup 2026: Why are Abrar Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi not playing today in PAK vs NAM clash?

It is the must-win game for Pakistan to qualify for the Super Eight stage in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, as they can't afford any kind of defeat in the ongoing Group A match against Namibia on Wednesday (February 18) afternoon. Pakistan have made two changes in their playing XI, as Abrar Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi are on the bench, and here we will know the reason for these changes.

After winning the toss at Colombo SSC, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha chose to bat first. It is the must-win match for them, as any defeat will eliminate them from the group stage, while the USA will advance to the Super Eight stage. 

See Also: Bangladesh seeks to strengthen cricket ties with India after the T20 World Cup 2026 exit

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, PAK vs NAM: Why are Abrar Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi not playing?

While the left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is not in good form, Abrar Ahmed has been criticised for his poor bowling performances in their last match against arch-rivals India. Khawaja Nafay and Salman Mirza have been added to the playing XI for the match as replacements. 

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, PAK vs NAM: Khawaja Nafay and Salman Mirza joined as replacements

Meanwhile, Pakistan have considered adding one extra batter to create balance in the squad, especially when the middle-order batting is hugely struggling. The 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay has been added to the playing XI against Namibia to add an extra batting option in the squad. He has played two T20Is, both this year, against Sri Lanka and Australia, where he scored 26 and 21 runs, respectively. He has been named for the Namibia match as a specialist batter, while Usman Khan has retained the wicketkeeper-batter role. 

Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Salman Mirza is the left-arm fast bowler who has recorded 22 wickets in 14 T20Is.