Shaheen Afridi dropped, Babar Azam demoted due to loss against India? What Pakistan coach says on 'paradigm shift'
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 20, 2026
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Pakistan made significant changes to their lineup for the match against Namibia in the T20 World Cup, including dropping ace left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi and demoting star batter Babar Azam. These decisions were initially seen as reactions to Pakistan's heavy loss against India, but head coach Mike Hesson clarified that they were purely tactical. Hesson explained that moving Babar down the order was not due to poor performance but rather because his powerplay scoring rate had been subpar in World Cup matches. Similarly, Afridi was omitted for tactical reasons, with the team opting for a different approach against Namibia.
The coach emphasized that these changes were part of a "paradigm shift" in roles rather than a response to the loss to India. He highlighted that Babar is better suited to play through the middle overs, where he can stabilize the innings, while other players are more effective in high-pressure situations late in the game. Hesson also noted that Babar was the first to recognize the need for strategic adjustments, particularly when facing left-arm spinners.
In the match against Namibia, Pakistan saw Shadab Khan and Sahibzada Farhan step up, with Farhan scoring an unbeaten century and Shadab batting through the full 20 overs. This allowed Babar to return later in the innings, aligning with the team's tactical plan. Hesson explained that this approach was designed to maximize scoring rates during critical periods, particularly in the Super 8 stage.
Looking ahead, Pakistan faces New Zealand in their next match, with improving their powerplay performance a key focus. The team is aiming to fine-tune its strategies and capitalize on its strengths as they prepare for the more challenging matches ahead. These lineup adjustments reflect Pakistan's commitment to adaptability and tactical flexibility in pursuit of a strong World Cup campaign.
Overall, these changes underscore the importance of strategic planning and role clarity within the team. By focusing on Babar's strengths in middle-order batting and utilizing other players effectively, Pakistan aims to build momentum for its upcoming matches. This approach not only addresses immediate
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026