Pakistan faced an embarrassing defeat against India by 61 runs in the group match of the T20 World Cup 2026. In the match played in Colombo on Sunday (15 February), the Pakistan team appeared completely disorganized, and their performance in the match never seemed competitive. Following this loss, the Pakistan team has been heavily criticized, and former captain and legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi appeared quite upset. Shahid even singled out his son in law, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and demanded that he be dropped from the team.

Pakistan had won their first two matches in the group stage was expected to break their losing streak against India and deliver a thrilling contest, but nothing of the sort happened. Pakistan completely surrendered in the match, and the situation was such that the team could not even play the full allotted overs in their innings. After losing the toss, Pakistan chose to bowl first and made a fantastic start by dismissing Abhishek Sharma in the very first over, but then Ishan Kishan played a crucial role in taking India to a score of 175/7 by scoring 77 runs off 40 balls. In response, Pakistan's entire team was bowled out for 114 runs in 18 overs.

See Also: Pakistan create history during IND vs PAK 1st innings in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Match 27

This shameful defeat has led to criticism of Pakistan from all sides. Meanwhile, Shahid Afridi targeted some senior players and even demanded that they be dropped from the team. According to Shahid, these players have always disappointed in big moments, and now the time has come to give new players a chance.

Shahid Afridi demanded the dropping of these 3 players, including his son in law

On Pakistan's news channel Samaa TV, after the match against India and Pakistan, Shahid Afridi said during the show that players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, and Shadab Khan should now be dropped. The Pakistani veteran even suggested that in the final group match against Namibia on February 18, these three should be replaced by giving young players a chance.

“So if I have to make a decision here, I would even sit Shaheen out, sit Babar out, and sit Shadab out as well. I would play the new boys, give the youngsters a chance. And in our match against Namibia, I would back them, give them confidence, and keep playing them, because we’ve been watching these players for so long — they keep getting opportunities. And every time, we expect that against a team like this, they will perform. These are senior players. If they’re not delivering for you, then why not play the juniors sitting on the bench? What’s the big difference anyway?” Shahid Afridi said.

Shahid Afridi said, "Drop Shaheen, drop Shadab, and drop Babar. They've always let us down in crucial big games. Try fresh faces against Namibia and give the new players a chance to build confidence".pic.twitter.com/6JPFIuKy0O

— Salman. (@TsMeSalman) February 15, 2026

Talking about the performance of these three senior players in the match played against India yesterday, Shaheen took just one wicket while conceding 31 runs in two overs. Meanwhile, Babar Azam got out after scoring only 5 runs, while Shadab gave away 15 runs in an over while bowling and contributed 14 runs with the bat.