Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has called for major changes to the national T20 team after their crushing 61-run defeat to India in the T20 World Cup on Sunday.

 

India batted first and posted 175 runs for seven wickets in their 20 overs. Pakistan collapsed in reply, managing just 114 runs before getting bowled out in 18 overs.

 

Speaking to a private TV channel, Afridi pointed out that the team made numerous mistakes during the match, stressing that India deserved the victory. He particularly questioned captain Salman Ali Agha's decision-making throughout the game.

 

"Why did he keep our trump card Usman Tariq hidden until the 10th over?" Afridi asked, expressing frustration with the tactical approach.

 

The former all-rounder also criticized his son-in-law, star pacer Shaheen Afridi. The fast bowler conceded 31 runs in just two overs during the match. "Shaheen didn't bowl well either. Even after conceding runs in the first over, he was given the final over when we had Faheem Ashraf available," he said.

 

Shadab Khan's performance was equally disappointing, as he gave away 17 runs in a single over. Babar Azam managed only five runs before getting dismissed while playing an unnecessary shot.

 

Afridi then made his most striking statement, calling for senior players to be dropped from the squad. "If the decision was in my hands, I would bench Shaheen, Shadab Khan and Babar and give new players a chance," he declared.

 

He questioned how long the senior players have been part of the team without delivering in crucial matches against major opponents. "When we expect them to perform well against big teams, they don't deliver. That's why we should give new players a chance in the next match against Namibia," Afridi added.

 

It is worth noting that this is Pakistan's 4th T20I defeat agaisnt India in last six months.