Following a disappointing 61-run defeat to India on February 15th in Colombo during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi expressed intense frustration with the team's senior players. Afridi did not hesitate to call out his son-in-law, pace bowler Shaheen Afridi, among others, stating that the recurring poor performances indicated the need for a shift in strategy. He emphasized that the senior players have had ample opportunities to prove themselves but have failed to deliver in crucial matches.

In a clear call for restructuring the team dynamic, Afridi suggested that it is time to give younger players a chance on the field. He mentioned that he would bench established players like Shaheen, Babar Azam, and Shadab Khan in favor of nurturing fresh talent, arguing that the upcoming match against Namibia should be an opportunity to build the confidence of new players. This approach reflects not only his disappointment but also a vision for revitalizing a struggling team and potentially ensuring better performances in high-stakes situations going forward.

Afridi’s comments, made during an appearance on Sama TV, highlight a growing concern within Pakistan cricket about the performance of the senior players in pivotal matches. As calls for a team overhaul intensify, the cricketing community watches closely to see whether the selectors will heed these opinions and whether a generational change in the team is on the horizon, underscoring the high stakes involved in Pakistan cricket as it seeks to recover from successive setbacks against strong opponents.