The T20I careers of Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi are almost over with Pakistan’s massive 61-run defeat to India in the T20 World Cup 2026 match in Colombo on February 15. This embarrassment has badly shaken the team and now there is a possibility of major changes for the do-or-die match against Namibia.
Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi’s T20 career in danger after India’s defeat!
After the one-sided affair, now all the focus is on Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan. Many former Pakistani cricketers are openly demanding that these big names be dropped from the final group match against Namibia on 18th February.
In the high-pressure game in Colombo, Babar could score only 5 runs, while Sadam could score only 14 runs from 15 balls. Shaheen, on the other hand, had a nightmare against India in Colombo, conceding 31 runs in just two overs, while Shadab conceded 17 runs in his only over.
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Pakistan looked completely out of control and India took full advantage of this. That defeat has put Pakistan in a very dangerous position in Group A of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi will be dropped for win in Namibia
Now Pakistan will face Namibia on 18 February 2026 at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo. For the Men in Green this match is a must win at any cost. If Pakistan loses, it is almost certain that they will be out of the tournament and they want to make it to the Super 8 round at any cost.
According to Geo News report, the Indian cricket team management is seriously thinking about dropping Babar and Shaheen for this do-or-die match. Although the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not made any official announcement yet, the bold decision has already been taken inside the dressing room.
Big changes in Pakistan team
– Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi are likely to be dropped against Namibia. (Geo News) pic.twitter.com/WuSAJJcgs9
– Sherry. (@CallMeSheri1_) 16 February 2026
India vs Babar’s Nightmare
If we look at Babar Azam’s last five T20 matches against India, the statistics are very disappointing. In none of these games has he even crossed the 14-run mark. Whenever Pakistan faces India, expectations from Babar are very high, as he is seen as the backbone of the batting lineup.
But the right-handed batsman has failed to give a strong start. Early dismissals have put additional pressure on the middle order and made things difficult for the team. Criticism has intensified due to these poor outings.
Also read: RCB, KKR stars make Virat Kohli a deadly weapon to bury Babar Azam
Afridi, on the other hand, has taken 5 wickets in his last five T20I matches, with his best performance being 2/16 against Australia earlier this month.
Irfan Pathan claims, Babar is not close to Virat Kohli!
Many people have raised the question why Babar is compared with legends like Virat Kohli. After the Colombo performance, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan criticized Babar and stopped the cricket world from comparing him with Indian superstar Kohli.
Pathan said on his YouTube channel, “Please stop comparing Babar Azam with Virat Kohli. Virat Kohli is in a different league. Look at his innings against Pakistan in the 2022 World Cup. Has Babar ever played such an innings under pressure? Apart from 2021, when dew played a big role, how many times has Babar faced pressure and finished the game like this?”