Former Captain demands bold changes as pressure mounts on team management following heavy defeat
Former Pakistan Captain Shahid Afridi launched sharp criticism of the national side following their comprehensive defeat to India national cricket team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, questioning team selection, leadership decisions and senior players’ performances.
India posted 175 for 7 in 20 overs after opting to bat, capitalizing on an aggressive powerplay and steady strike rotation through the middle overs. Late boundaries pushed the total to a competitive mark in a high-pressure contest.
In reply, the Pakistan National Cricket Team faltered early, losing key wickets inside the powerplay. The mounting required rate exposed the middle order, and Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs, suffering a 61-run defeat.
Afridi criticized Captain Salman Ali Agha for what he described as questionable tactical calls, particularly the delayed use of spin in the middle overs. He also raised concerns over pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi’s bowling rotation and suggested alternative death-over options could have been explored.
The former all-rounder went further, urging management to consider resting senior players such as Babar Azam and Shadab Khan to provide opportunities to emerging talent.
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