New Delhi: Following India’s commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026, former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi did not hold back in voicing his frustrations, even targeting his own son-in-law, Shaheen Afridi, over poor performances.
Afridi Calls for Team Overhaul
In a Pakistani talk show, Afridi suggested that senior players Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Shadab Khan should be dropped from the squad to make way for junior talent. He emphasized the need to give younger players opportunities, starting with Pakistan’s upcoming match against Namibia.
Afridi remarked, “We have been watching these senior players perform for years. We expect them to deliver in big matches. If the seniors aren’t performing, give the juniors a chance—they have been waiting. What’s the harm in that?”
Shaheen Afridi’s Struggles
The 25-year-old fast bowler has had a difficult T20 World Cup 2026. Across three matches, he has taken only 3 wickets. Against India, he bowled 2 overs for 31 runs, claiming a single wicket. In the match against the USA, he gave 42 runs in 4 overs for 1 wicket, and against the Netherlands, he conceded 28 runs in 3 overs for another wicket.
Despite being part of Pakistan’s key bowling lineup, Afridi’s inconsistent form has drawn criticism, and Shahid Afridi’s public remarks highlight the growing pressure on the team’s seniors to perform.
Notably, Shaheen Afridi is married to Shahid Afridi’s daughter, Ansha Afridi; the couple tied the knot in 2023.
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