New controversy erupted when former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, Shahid Afridi, made a strange comment about Irfan Khan Niazi's age during a television conversation after their disappointing exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022, where they did not reach the semi-final after reaching the Super Eight stages of the event.

Pakistan, skipping with Salman Ali Agha, was only able to gain one win in the Super Eight, and their last match against Sri Lanka was a close loss (5 runs), but the outcome did not help them because of their different net run rates. The early displacement from tournaments resulted in fans and cricket experts criticizing the team and questioning the leadership and strategies of the squad.

It was recommended by Afridi, during the discussion regarding who would lead Pakistan in a global arena in the near future, that there should be a change in the captaincy by the team management prior to more international matches being played. He then supported Fakhar Zaman as one of those who can possibly become captain of Pakistan's T20I team. Additionally, he named some other potential candidates, such as Irfan Khan Niazi, who has captained Pakistan Shaheens at lower levels and has proven to exhibit very good leadership qualities.

🚨 IT TAKES ONE FRAUD TO SPOT ANOTHER

During a discussion on Pakistan cricket, Shahid Afridi burst into sarcastic disbelief when the anchor mentioned that one of the Pakistani players is just 23 years old.

“If he is 23, then we are fine… we must be around 30–35,” Afridi… pic.twitter.com/iHGL2ZZdZo

— Brutal Truth (@sarkarstix) March 5, 2026

See Also: Watch: Finn Allen smashes Corbin Bosch for 22-run over in SA vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final

Afridi’s Remark on Irfan Khan Niazi Goes Viral

Irfan Khan Niazi, who reportedly is 23 years old, caused Afridi some shock when the host of the show informed the audience of that fact, creating laughter from Afridi on live television in a somewhat sarcastic manner. He then commented that players from his generation should be approximately the same age as Irfan Khan Niazi.

The remark made by Afridi managed to quickly go viral among social media users, which generated plenty of discussion amongst fans of Pakistani cricket. Many interpreted the comment to be funny and sarcastic; other fans see it as a clue that there might be some age differences with those participating in domestic cricket. Although acknowledged to be a good leader (Irfan), he has very little international batting experience with just 237 runs in 23 matches combined for all formats of the game. In addition, with so many upcoming players vying for positions on the squad, Irfan will likely need to have some impressive domestic performances in order to have any hope of getting back onto the Pakistan national team consistently.

Shahid Afridi strongly criticized Shadab Khan after Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The former captain questioned not only Shadab’s performances but also reports suggesting he could become the next T20 captain. Afridi said Shadab does not even deserve a place in the playing XI. His remarks came during a discussion on Samaa TV.

Pakistan had a mixed tournament this year. After failing to get past the group stage in 2024, they at least reached the Super 8 in 2026. However, they lost to England and India, and their dreams of going to the semi-finals came to an end. They needed to win heavily against Sri Lanka in their last Super 8 match, but they failed to do so.

People expected Pakistan to do well in the tournament since it was played in subcontinent conditions. However, the way they played was outdated and lacked aggression. Their middle order did not perform well at the right time. This brought a lot of criticism for the team.

Afridi Questions Shadab’s Selection and Captaincy Talks

“Looking at his performance, I wouldn’t even keep him in the team, let alone give him the captaincy,” Afridi said on Samaa TV. He reacted to reports that Shadab might replace Salman Ali Agha as Pakistan’s T20 captain. Afridi made it clear that recent performances do not justify such a promotion.

See Also: WI-W vs SL-W, 3rd T20I: Head-to-head, pitch report and predicted playing XIs

“The head coach is giving Shadab chance after chance. That’s why I said Shadab can become the next Pakistan captain. But looking at his recent performances, he doesn’t even deserve a place in the playing XI,” Afridi added. His comments sparked debate among fans about team selection and leadership decisions.

Shadab featured in six matches during the tournament. He scored 118 runs at an average of 23.60 and a strike rate of 153.25. With the ball, he picked up five wickets at an average of 30.40 and an economy of 8.44. The only bright spot for Pakistan was opener Sahibzada Farhan, who scored 383 runs in six innings at an average of 76.60 and a strike rate of 160.26, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer.

Shahid Afridi has slammed his son-in-law Shaheen Shah Afridi after the poor performance showing in the 2026 T20 World Cup for Pakistan. Speaking on live television, Afridi questioned Shaheen’s bowling decisions in crucial moments. His remarks came after Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals following defeats to India and England. The comments have sparked debate among fans and experts.

Afridi stats, “when a right-hander is playing, you don't bowl round the wicket.” He added that if bowling round the wicket, the bowler must aim “inside the wickets.” He also pointed out that when “third man and point are up,” bowling outside off-stump is wrong. According to him, these are “very easy angles to get a lob on the Asian pitches.”

He further expressed frustration over repeated mistakes. Afridi said, “When will they understand these things? They don't learn, they don't want to learn, they don't want to run as players.” He highlighted how “eight players get out within twenty-eight runs,” showing a lack of responsibility. He believes the team is “very far behind” in its thinking and stuck in “old times, old eras.”

Shaheen’s Mixed World Cup Campaign

Shaheen Shah Afridi had a mixed tournament overall. He finished with 8 wickets in five matches and became Pakistan’s all-time leading T20I wicket-taker with 136 wickets, going past Haris Rauf. However, his economy rate of 10.53 raised concerns. His best performance came against England in the Super Eight stage, where he took 4/30 and removed Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, and Jacob Bethell early.

Watch the video here

🚨🚨Shahid Khan Afridi and SAQLAIN Mushtaq , Two different Stories ❗

- on one hand Saqlain M is trying his best to defend his son in law

- and on another hand Shahid Afridi is Criticising Shaheen after every Bad performance pic.twitter.com/QX8BPIHWaq

— SheR•ALI (@Sher__Ali) March 1, 2026

See Also: 'Pressure? What pressure?' - Fans react as Sanju Samson stars in India’s big win over West Indies to seal T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final spot

In the final Super Eight match against Sri Lanka at Pallekele, Shaheen had a tough spell, finishing with 1/48 in four overs. Though he dismissed Pavan Rathnayake (58), he was hit for three consecutive sixes by Dasun Shanaka in the last over. Still, he defended 28 runs with a wide yorker on the final ball to seal a 5-run win. Abrar Ahmed also impressed with 3/23.

Pakistan posted 212/8 in that game, powered by a 176-run opening stand between Fakhar Zaman (84) and Sahibzada Farhan, who scored 100 off 60 balls. Farhan became the first player to hit two centuries in a single T20 World Cup and finished with 383 runs in the tournament. Despite the win, Pakistan were eliminated due to Net Run Rate, as they needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer. They ended level on points with New Zealand but missed out on a semi-final spot.

South Africa has created a stir by defeating India by 76 runs. The massive defeat put India's chances for the semi-finals in the T20 World Cup 2026 in uncertainty. Not only by points, but India's chances to play the semi-finals are also wavering because of the low net run rate.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has a solution to dismiss them from the title race. Afridi asks South Africa to lose deliberately against the West Indies in their next fixture of the Super 8. During a conversation, the former cricketer said that South Africa should allow the West Indies to win against them on February 26.

In Group 1, South Africa and the West Indies got massive wins in their respective matches. The Proteas outplayed India, while the Caribbeans thrashed Zimbabwe by a long margin. After these two matches, West Indies is currently on top of the points table of Group 1 with 2 points and +5.350, with the same points, South Africa is in the second spot with a net run rate of +3.800. India (net run rate -3.800) and Zimbabwe (net run rate -5.350) are in third and fourth places respectively.

Read More: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Tickets on sale for semi-finals and final - Know here how to book

Why did Shahid ask South Africa to lose vs West Indies?

If India manages to win against Zimbabwe and the West Indies, then they will be back in the title race again. If the top three teams of the group secured 4 points each, then the net run rate will decide the two semifinalists. India can be in serious trouble if the net run rates are considered, as currently, they have a negative run rate. Keeping this equation in mind, Shahid Afridi advises South Africa to lose against the West Indies deliberately. Eliminating India, South Africa can easily win the trophy, feels Afridi. 

"If South Africa wants to win the World Cup, their best chance is to deliberately lose against the West Indies and knock India out of the tournament, because India is the only obstacle in their path. The moment India is eliminated, South Africa’s road to the World Cup becomes completely clear, and they can go on to win the World Cup easily", Shahid Afridi said.

Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi has urged the cricket board to take strict action against the players who are underperforming and are not in great form or shape. He didn't take names or point out any player, but he was quite certain about how the players should be asked to play and perform in domestic cricket before coming into the national side. 

The Men in Green lost their previous encounter against India by 61 runs while chasing 175 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026. The batters failed to give starts, form partnerships, or hold the wicket from one end. The Indian bowlers dismantled the team quite easily by getting the breakthroughs. Hence, Afridi mentioned that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should take proper action against the players who haven't performed in a while. 

Speaking in the aftermath of the high-profile loss, Afridi emphasized the importance of accountability within the team. He stated that players who consistently fail to deliver should be dropped, regardless of their stature or past achievements. 

"These are the decisions, these are those examples that are set up high and travel all the way down. Every player knows that he has taken this decision with a senior. We don't make an example. We think if someone becomes a star, they go higher than cricket. They do it wrong. Make players sit on their seats, don't put pressure of media on social media. What is your fear? Until we set an example in the morning, these things will keep happening," said Afridi on Samaa TV. 

Watch the video here:

Shahid Afridi says take strict actions, don't go by names. Keep performers in the team, drop non-performers regardless of their reputation. Let them play domestic and prove themselves to get back in the team.#INDvsPAK #T20WorldCup

Via .@SAMAATV pic.twitter.com/0v7x5NdiQ1

— TEAM AFRIDI (@TEAM_AFRIDI) February 16, 2026

Will Pakistan qualify for Super 8 in T20 World Cup 2026?

Pakistan have won two matches comfortably and lost one against India on February 15. So far, they have not been eliminated from the tournament and still have a solid chance of making it into the Super 8. They have to win their next encounter against Namibia on February 18. 

Currently, the USA are in the second position in the points table with two wins in four games. If Pakistan lose against Namibia, they'll be knocked out of the tournament, and India and the USA will qualify for the Super 8. The Men in Green will need to beat Namibia to qualify, as they also need to beat the USA's NRR. The World Cup matches have become quite interesting, and the fans will be glued to their seats in the upcoming matches. 

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.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. This will be the 10th edition of the tournament. A total of 55 matches will be played across eight venues, with five in India and three in Sri Lanka.

India, one of the co-hosts, are also the defending champions of the T20 World Cup. They won the 2024 edition held in the United States and the West Indies after beating South Africa in a thrilling final in Barbados. Team India had earlier won the first T20 World Cup in 2007 in South Africa.

West Indies and England are the only other teams to win the T20 World Cup twice. West Indies lifted the trophy in 2012 and 2016, while England won in 2010 and 2022. Over the years, several bowlers from different teams have delivered impressive performances in the Men’s T20 World Cup. In this feature, we take a look at the top wicket-takers in the ICC tournament.

Also read -Top 5 highest individual scores for India in T20 World Cup ft. Rohit Sharma

5. Rashid Khan (37 wickets)

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan is fifth on the list of bowlers with the most wickets in the T20 World Cup. In 23 matches, he has taken 37 wickets at an average of 14.89 and an economy rate of 6.30. He has taken three four-wicket hauls.

Rashid’s best figures of 4-9 came against Scotland in Sharjah in 2021. He also took 4-17 against New Zealand in Guyana in 2024, helping Afghanistan win by 84 runs. In the same edition, he claimed 4-23 against Bangladesh in Kingstown, as Afghanistan won by eight runs under the DLS method.

4. Wanindu Hasaranga (37 wickets)

Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has also taken 37 wickets in the T20 World Cup. He is placed above Rashid Khan because he played fewer matches. In 19 matches, he took 37 wickets at an average of 11.72 and an economy rate of 6.00.

His best figures of 3-8 came against the UAE in Geelong in 2022. He also took 3-28 against the Netherlands at the same venue. Hasaranga claimed 3-13 against Afghanistan in Brisbane. He picked up 16 wickets in 2021 and 15 wickets in 2022.

3. Lasith Malinga (38 wickets)

Former Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga is third on the list. He led Sri Lanka to the 2014 T20 World Cup title. In 31 matches, he took 38 wickets at an average of 20.07 and an economy rate of 7.43.

Malinga’s best figures of 5-31 came against England in Pallekele in 2012. He was named Player of the Match as Sri Lanka won by 19 runs. He also took 3-17 against Pakistan in 2009 and 3-28 against West Indies in 2010.

2. Shahid Afridi (39 wickets)

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi is second on the list. In 34 matches, he took 39 wickets at an average of 23.25 and an economy rate of 6.71. He recorded two four-wicket hauls.

Afridi’s best figures of 4-11 came against the Netherlands at Lord’s in 2009. He also took 4-19 against Scotland in 2007. Afridi picked up 12 wickets in 2007 and 11 wickets in 2009, when Pakistan won the title.

1. Shakib Al Hasan (50 wickets)

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is the leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history. He has taken 50 wickets in 43 matches at an average of 20.12 and an economy rate of 6.86. He has claimed three four-wicket hauls.

Shakib’s best figures of 4-9 came against Papua New Guinea in 2021. He also took 4-15 against Oman in 2016 and 4-34 against West Indies in 2007. Shakib picked up 11 wickets in 2021 and 10 wickets in 2016.

A day after the Pakistan government announced that their cricket team won’t feature in the clash against India, scheduled to feature on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo, their former captain and premier all-rounder, Shahid Afridi, has reacted to the news through his viral post on X (formerly known as Twitter).

The former member of the Pakistan 2009 T20 World Cup-winning team challenged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to prove itself as impartial and fair to every member. This stance from the PCB came after the ICC decided to boycott Bangladesh from the event due to their refusal to travel to India.

See Also: Sri Lanka face massive injury setback ahead of T20 World Cup 2026; probable replacement named

“I’ve always believed cricket can open doors when politics closes them. It’s regrettable that Pakistan won’t play India at the #T20WorldCup, but I stand behind my government’s decision. This is the moment for @ICC to lead and prove through decisions, not statements, that it is impartial, independent, and fair to every member.” Afridi expressed on his viral X post.

Shahid Afridi expresses his view on Pakistan’s refusal to play India in T20 WC 2026

Pakistan is in the same group with India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States of America (USA) as they play the curtain raiser against the Dutch side on February 07 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. In case of forfeiting the India game, they will get a massive penalty in the net run-rate, as a defeat against the other three games could see them getting disqualified. 

Ladies and Gentlemen Mr Shahid Afridi- Cousin of Shaquib Afridi, a commander of the terrorist group Harkat-ul-Ansar who was killed by the Indian forces in J&K India. pic.twitter.com/gL9oGwCTS1

— Meru (@MeruOnX) February 2, 2026

“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India.” The Pakistan government posted its views on X.

The ICC has asked the PCB to change this stance from their government and take a mutually accepted decision which will be in favor of the stakeholders and the broadcasters, as the India vs Pakistan game always holds a lucrative revenue in that department.

The former Pakistan all-rounder and captain, Shahid Afridi, has joined the Sialkot Stallionz in the first major off-field signing by appointing him as the mentor of the franchise. The decision is being widely viewed as a statement move by the newly formed Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise as it prepares for its debut season. 

The teams will be under pressure to make an immediate impact as the Pakistanplayer's inclusion adds instant credibility to this franchise’s setup. They are known for their aggressive mindset and leadership presence as the new mentor is expected to play a key role in the team culture building, layer motivation, and high-pressure decision-making.

See Also: Watch: Sydney Sixers releases Babar Azam with 'Thank you' message ahead of BBL 2025/26 knockout

In terms of his PSL journey, Afridi joined a long and memorable PSL career spanning seven seasons, representing multiple franchises including Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, and Quetta Gladiators. He retired from playing in February 2022 due to a chronic back injury, but has remained one of the most influential figures in Pakistan’s cricket history.

Shahid Afridi joins Sialkot Stallionz as mentor ahead of PSL 2026 season

The announcement of the new mentor comes just one day after the franchise officially revealed its name as the identity was unveiled through a 3D animated video on X (formerly known as Twitter), reviving the iconic brand as a tribute to the legendary domestic T20 site that dominated Pakistan’s national T20 Cup during the 2000s.  

For the new season, the PSL will move to an auction-based recruitment league, eliminating its old draft system, which it used since its inception a decade ago. The PCB had previously toyed with the idea of a draft or even a system between a draft and auction, which they called a ‘drauction’ before settling on the debate.

Each side will also be allowed to sign one player directly before the new season, outside of the auction system, which raises the value of the team purchases to USD 1.6 million, up from above USD 1.1 million in the past, as the direct signings are only applicable for the players who did not participate in the PSL in the previous season.