COLOMBO — The fallout from Pakistan’s heavy defeat to India on Sunday, February 15, 2026, has turned into an all-out civil war within the cricketing fraternity. Former batting legend Mohammad Yousuf and “Boom Boom” Shahid Afridi have led a scathing attack on the team’s senior core, declaring that their “time is up” in the shortest format.
The criticism follows a lackluster performance at the R. Premadasa Stadium, where India’s 175/7 proved insurmountable for a Pakistan side that folded for just 114.
1. The “Seasoned” Failures
Critics have specifically pointed to the lack of “big-game temperament” from the three most experienced players in the squad.
- Babar Azam: Scored a measly 5 runs off 7 balls. Yousuf described his dismissal—a wild slog against Axar Patel when the team was already reeling—as “horrendous” and unbecoming of a senior batter.+1
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: Tasked with leading the pace attack, he proved to be the most expensive bowler, leaking 31 runs in just 2 overs. He was hammered for boundaries by Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh, failing to provide the early breakthroughs Pakistan desperately needed.
- Shadab Khan: Struggled with both disciplines, conceding 17 runs in his solitary over and scoring a sluggish 14 off 15 balls during the chase.
2. Legends Speak Out
The reaction from former greats has been unusually blunt, reflecting a growing consensus that the “Babar-Shaheen” era has stagnated.
Mohammad Yousuf (on X): “Time’s up for Shaheen, Babar, and Shadab. Pakistan’s T20 squad needs new performers, not empty wins against weaker sides.”+1
Shahid Afridi (to Pakistani Media): “If I were to make a decision here, I would say drop Babar, Shaheen, and Shadab. Give new players an opportunity against Namibia and build their confidence. We have seen for a long time that senior players have not been performing against good teams.”
3. Internal Team Turmoil?
The match also highlighted a shift in leadership dynamics. Unlike previous tournaments, Salman Ali Agha is captaining the side in the 2026 edition.
- The “Cool” Captain vs. The Senior Core: While Agha received some praise for his poise in pre-match pressers, the “unwanted contest” of poor shots in the middle order suggested a lack of cohesion between the new captain and the former leadership group.
- PCB Reaction: Reports indicate PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi left the stadium early, refusing to watch the final stages of the collapse, signaling high-level frustration.
4. What Next? The Namibia “Knockout”
Pakistan now faces an existential threat. They play Namibia on Wednesday, February 18, at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo.
- The Equation: Pakistan must win. A loss—or even a narrow win that doesn’t significantly help their NRR—could see the United States qualify for the Super 8s at their expense for the second consecutive World Cup cycle.