Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi thrown out of Pakistan T20I team after loss to India

Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi’s T20I careers have all but ended with Pakistan’s heavy 61-run loss to India in the T20 World Cup 2026 match on February 15 in Colombo. This embarrassment has shaken the team badly, and now big changes are on the cards for the do-or-die clash against Namibia.

Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi's T20I career in jeopardy after India defeat

Following the one-sided affair, all focus is now on Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan. Many former Pakistani cricketers are openly demanding that these big names be dropped for the final group match against Namibia on February 18.

In the high-pressure game in Colombo, Babar could score only 5 runs, while Sadam managed only 14 runs off 15 balls. On the other hand, Shaheen had a nightmare spell, giving away 31 runs in just two overs, while Shadab gave away 17 runs in his only over against India in Colombo.

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Pakistan looked completely out of control, and India took full advantage. That loss has pushed Pakistan into a very dangerous position in Group A of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.

Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi to be dropped for must-win Namibia clash

Now Pakistan will face Namibia on 18 February 2026 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. This match is a must-win for the Men in Green. If Pakistan loses, they are almost certain to crash out of the tournament, and they are keen on making it to the Super 8 round at any cost.

As reported by Geo News, the Indian cricket team management is seriously thinking about dropping Babar and Shaheen for this do-or-die game. Though the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not made any official announcement yet, the bold call has already been made inside the dressing room.

🚨 BIG CHANGES IN THE PAKISTAN TEAM 🚨

- Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi are likely to be dropped against Namibia. (Geo News) pic.twitter.com/WuSAJJcgs9

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) February 16, 2026

Babar’s nightmare run vs India

If we look at Babar Azam’s last five T20I matches against India, the numbers are very disappointing. In none of those games has he crossed even 14 runs. Every time Pakistan faces India, expectations from Babar are very high, as he is seen as the backbone of the batting lineup.

But the right-handed batter has failed to give a strong start. Early dismissals have put extra pressure on the middle order and made things difficult for the team. Because of these poor outings, criticism has become louder.

Read Also: RCB, KKR stars turn Virat Kohli into deadly weapon to bury Babar Azam

On the other hand, Afridi has taken 5 wickets in his last five T20I matches, with his best performance being 2/16 against Australia earlier this month.

Babar not close to Virat Kohli, claims Irfan Pathan

Many have questioned why Babar is compared with legends like Virat Kohli. After the Colombo showdown, the former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan criticised Babar and stopped the cricket fraternity from comparing him with the 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 a knock under pressure? Apart from 2021, when dew played a big role, how many times has Babar absorbed pressure and finished games like that?”