Shahid Afridi Furious at Shaheen After Pakistan's Heartbreaking T20 WC Exit

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has publicly criticised his son-in-law Shaheen Afridi following Pakistan’s exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Super 8 stage. The remarks came after Pakistan failed to secure a semi-final berth despite posting a strong total against Sri Lanka in a crucial match. The team’s elimination has triggered widespread debate over tactical decisions and individual performances.

In the must-win contest, Pakistan scored 212 for 8 in 20 overs and needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 to surpass New Zealand’s net run rate and qualify for the semi-finals. However, Sri Lanka finished on 207 for 6, falling short of the target but denying Pakistan the required margin of victory. Shaheen, tasked with bowling the final over, conceded 22 runs, a spell that proved costly in the context of qualification scenarios.

Speaking on Samaa TV, Shahid said Shaheen had repeated tactical mistakes despite his experience at the international level. He questioned the left-arm pacer’s decision to bowl from around the wicket to right-handed batters and criticised the execution of wide yorkers when fielders were positioned inside the circle. Shahid stated that bowling from over the wicket could have made it more difficult for batters to clear the boundary, particularly on Asian pitches.

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The scrutiny surrounding Pakistan’s campaign has intensified as the team struggled against full-member sides during the tournament. Apart from a narrow win against Sri Lanka, Pakistan failed to register significant victories in the Super 8 stage. Cricket analysts have pointed to inconsistent bowling strategies and lapses in high-pressure situations as contributing factors behind the team’s early exit.

Adding to the fallout, reports suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board is considering financial penalties for players following the disappointing performance. According to sources, the fines could amount to as much as PKR 5 million per player, though no final decision has been taken. Officials indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding appropriate action in response to the team’s below-par results.

Pakistan’s elimination from the tournament has reignited calls for introspection within the squad and management. With expectations consistently high for global events, former players and fans alike have urged better planning and accountability. Whether administrative measures or tactical changes follow remains to be seen, but the criticism from a former captain underscores the pressure facing Pakistan cricket after another high-profile setback.

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