Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Monday emphasized stability in the national T20 side ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
Afridi warns against further experimentation in the team before the World Cup. Speaking at a local event, he said the captain should focus on the players already in the squad rather than trying new combinations. “There is no need for further experimentation in the Pakistan cricket team ahead of the series before the World Cup,” he stated.
The former all-rounder also highlighted the importance of the Big Bash League (BBL) for Pakistan players. Afridi warns against overlooking opportunities in such leagues, as they help players adapt to Australian conditions ahead of major tournaments.
Ahead of the World Cup, Pakistan will play a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka as preparation. Afridi believes these matches will help the team gain rhythm and confidence.
He also praised the Pakistan Super League (PSL), calling it a sign of the league’s growing popularity. The addition of two new teams, Afridi notes, provides more opportunities for young players to showcase their talent.
The 10th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will feature 20 teams, divided into four groups of five. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Eight stage. Pakistan will open the tournament against the Netherlands, while India faces the USA in the opening matches in Mumbai.
Afridi warns against last-minute changes and urges the management to trust the current pool of players. He believes consistency is key for Pakistan to perform well in the World Cup.
Analysts agree that Afridi’s message underlines the need for a focused strategy and minimal experimentation as Pakistan heads into one of the biggest T20 tournaments in cricket history.
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