Pakistan’s forthcoming fixture against Namibia on February 18 (Wednesday) will be the most crucial to secure a spot in the Super Eights. This is indeed the last group stage match for the national team. A loss would certainly put an end to Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.

Meanwhile, several reports claim senior Pakistani players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi are likely to get dropped from the playing XI in the upcoming match.

Three days after losing to India by 61 runs on Sunday (February 15), Babar and Afridi’s performance has now come under scrutiny.

The news spread like wildfire when Pakistan captain Salman Agha and Head coach Mike Hesson were engaged in a long discussion during the training session on Tuesday (February 17).

Babar Azam’s Sluggish Batting Performance

Having played 3 matches of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, Babar Azam scored only 66 runs out of 57 balls at an average of 22 and strike rate of 115.78. He batted at a strike rate of 115.78 and averaged 22. Here is the 31-year-old’s performance against these teams:

Babar has put a huge pressure on the middle order due to his non-aggressive approach in the shortest format.

Especially, during a high-stakes clash against India, the right-handed batter failed to live upto the expectations when his team required him the most in a 176-run chase. He batted at Number 04, but managed to score only five runs off seven balls before being bowled by the Indian spin bowling all-rounder Axar Patel.

Shaheen Afridi: No More the Spearhead for Pakistan’s Pace Attack?

Despite being the core bowler of Pakistan’s pace bowling attack, Shaheen Shah Afridi has become a huge concern for his team, having leaked too many runs in 3 matches.

He bagged 3 wickets in 3 innings, but averaged 33.66 at an economy of 11.22. Let’s take a look at the 25-year-old’s bowling figures in this tournament so far:

Shaheen’s struggle with the ball was clearly evident against India as he leaked 31 runs in his 2-over spell at an economy rate above 15. Especially, in the final over, he conceded 15 runs that propelled India’s total to 175.

Forgetting the Basics? Pakistan Head Coach’s Comments

Mike Hesson, the head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, was worried about his team’s inability to perform under pressure. The 51-year-old commented that players forgetting the basics backfired on the team’s entire plans:

“See! When someone is drowning you under pressure, what will you do? Are you going to run away from that or going to stick to your plans? I believe this could be a tough challenge. Once again, we could be put under pressure as the tournament continues.

And this is the only way in which we could respond when we are under pressure. There is no doubt that these guys are good players and performed their best at the international level.

But during the high-pressure moments, are they going to rely on their decision-making skills or probably prefer going outside that? This is one such aspect we need to get better at,” Hesson said.

Discussion Between Agha and Hesson: PCB Source Reveals

Here is what the closest source of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had to reveal about the long discussion between Salman Agha and Mike Hesson during a practice session:

“Possibly! The discussion seemed to be about making changes in the playing XI. Two experienced cricketers—Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam — are likely to be axed.

Given the physical fitness, this is the best way to leave Shaheen out. During the previous game against India, he was frequently spotted adjusting his knee cap. Also, he was limping during the training and doesn’t seem to be 100% fit,” the PCB source stated.

Furthermore, the PCB source revealed that the Pakistan captain and head coach exchanged their opinion on promoting Babar Azam as an opener rather than making him bat at the No.4 position:

“Look! Against the USA, Babar scored 46 briskly. So, the management should consider promoting him as an opener instead of making him continue at the middle order,” the PCB source added.

‘Drop Any Underperformer’: PCB Chairman’s Instructions?

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi left the India-Pakistan match midway and was disappointed with the team’s defeat to the arch-rivals.

Earlier, the 47-year-old was firm with the stance to boycott the match against India after Bangladesh’s exit, and later reconsidered the forfeiture. However, Pakistan was brutally trolled by the Indian media following their massive 61-run defeat. 

Several reports claimed that Naqvi interacted with the head coach, Hesson, and team manager Naveed Cheema. Also, the directives were issued to exclude any underperformed player from the upcoming match to enhance the fighting spirit of the team.

Conclusively, Shaheen Afridi’s participation seems to be uncertain. It remains to be seen if Babar is promoted higher in the batting order or gets sidelined from the playing XI against Namibia.