Shahid Afridi wants son-in-law Shaheen, Babar and Shadab axed after India thrash Pakistan: 'I would play the new boys'

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi made an explosive statement after Pakistan’s heavy 61-run defeat to India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup clash at Colombo on Sunday. Afridi said that if it was up to him, he would drop senior players Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam and Shadab Khan for the next match.

Shahid Afridi’s comments were interesting because Shaheen is his son-in-law, married to his daughter Ansha Afridi. However, the former all-rounder did not hold back and openly questioned the performances of Pakistan’s senior players, especially in big matches against arch-rivals India.

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“If I had to take a decision here, then I would drop Shaheen, Babar and Shadab as well. I would play the new boys, give chances to the new boys, and in our match against Namibia, I would give them confidence as well. Because for so many years we have been watching them play, play and play, and whenever we have expectations that they will perform well against this team [India], they don’t. They are such senior players. If even the seniors are not delivering there, then play those juniors who are sitting outside. What big difference does it make?” Afridi said.

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Shaheen, Babar, Shadab fail to stop India riot

On the field, Pakistan were completely outplayed by the Men in Blue. India posted 175/7 in 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant 77 off 40 balls from Ishan Kishan. The left-hander attacked Shaheen from the start, even smashing his very first ball for a big six. Shaheen ended up conceding too many runs and failed to make an impact with the new ball.

While chasing 176, Pakistan collapsed under pressure. Babar, who had the perfect platform to build an innings after early wickets, once again failed to grab the opportunity and was dismissed cheaply. Shadab also struggled with both bat and ball. He could not control the run flow while bowling and later failed to rescue the team with the bat.

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Pakistan were bowled out for just 114 in 18 overs, handing India another comfortable win in this rivalry. The Men in Green now face a must-win clash against Namibia, which will decide their qualification to the Super Eight stage.