Islamabad(The COW News Digital)Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has called for major changes in the national squad following Pakistan’s heavy defeat against India in the ICC T20 World Cup, urging team management to bench senior players and give opportunities to emerging talent.
Reacting strongly after the loss, Afridi criticized the team’s overall performance and tactical decisions. He stated that India deserved the victory, pointing to multiple mistakes made by Pakistan during the high-pressure encounter. According to Afridi, the team failed to capitalize on key moments, while strategic choices raised serious questions.
Afridi particularly questioned captain Salman Ali Agha’s on-field decisions, saying they were difficult to understand. He expressed concern over the delayed use of spinner Usman Tariq, who, according to Afridi, could have been introduced earlier to control the flow of runs. “If he was our trump card, why was he held back for so long?” Afridi remarked.
The former captain also criticized fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi for conceding runs early in his spell and questioned the decision to give him the final over despite available alternatives such as Faheem Ashraf. Afridi suggested that the team management needs to reassess roles and responsibilities, especially in crucial matches against top opposition.
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In a bold statement, Afridi said that if it were up to him, he would rest senior players including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan, and instead test new players in upcoming fixtures. He argued that senior players have been given ample opportunities over the years but have struggled to deliver consistent performances in high-stakes matches against major teams.
Pakistan suffered a 61-run defeat in the match. India posted 175 for seven in their allotted 20 overs, setting a target of 176. In response, Pakistan were bowled out for 114 runs in 18 overs, falling well short of the target.
Afridi suggested that the next match against Namibia presents an opportunity to experiment with fresh talent and rebuild confidence within the squad. His remarks have sparked debate among fans and analysts, with discussions intensifying over the future direction of Pakistan cricket.
