Legendary Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has made a shocking stand during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. He has openly said that he would still keep his own son-in-law, Shaheen Afridi, out of his preferred Pakistan XI, even after the left-arm pacer roared back with a powerful performance against England in the ongoing tournament.
Pakistan’s star left-arm pacer struggled badly in the group stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. He managed just one wicket each against the Netherlands, the USA, and India. Shaheen leaked 28 runs in three overs against the Netherlands and 42 runs in four overs against the USA. The biggest blow came against India in Colombo, where he conceded 31 runs in just two overs.
Read Also: New Zealand book their place in the semifinal, Pakistan knocked out?; Qualification Scenario revealed
This led the Pakistan team management to drop Afridi for the must-win match against Namibia. Then, in the Super 8 stage, he was again left out of the clash against New Zealand at the same Colombo venue, although that game was washed out without a single ball bowled.
For many, it was disappointing that Pakistan’s main weapon was sitting out during such an important phase of the T20 World Cup 2026. The pressure was huge on Shaheen Afridi as questions were rising from everywhere.
Shaheen Afridi's explosive comeback
Shaheen Afridi finally returned to Pakistan XI against England in their second Super 8 match in Pallekele, replacing Faheem Ashraf, and he made a comeback with full force. The fast bowler took four wickets and destroyed England’s top order.
His very first ball of the match sent England’s dangerous opener Phil Salt back to the pavilion. It was a dream start and a strong reply to his critics. Although Pakistan had lost that game by two wickets.
After the match, Shahid Afridi revealed the reason why he excluded his son-in-law from his preferred playing XI. The former Pakistan captain explained that he wanted to hurt his ego to spark a fire inside Shaheen Afridi, and that’s why he overlooked the bowler.
In fact, Afridi boldly said that if asked again, he would still bench Shaheen in his XI to keep that inner fire alive because Shaheen would not tolerate being sidelined and would fight back harder.
Speaking on Pakistani news channel Samaa, Shahid Afridi said, “Shaheen wasn’t in my XI. And I knew how to get the best out of him. I tried to fire him up by having his father-in-law say what everyone else was saying (dropping him from the XI). I had to fire him up. And if anyone asks me about the next match, I’ll bench Shaheen for that game as well and won’t keep him in the team. That is how you have to keep that fire burning within him.”
Read Also: Shadab Khan to be named new Pakistan captain despite poor performances
I told her to check his performance in his next game: Shahid on her daughter's reaction
Afridi even told his daughter at home that once Shaheen Afridi feels this kind of pressure, he will respond strongly in his next match when she asked why he overlooked the pacer, and exactly that happened. The legendary all-rounder added, “Some people need to have their egos hurt, to feel angry. I know Shaheen’s mind very well.
There will be those claiming I’m making such a statement only after he’s performed well, but I told my daughter the same thing. I told her to check his performance in his next game, whichever match he’s recalled for. He won’t be able to tolerate such an insult. You have to play with the minds of certain individuals, and I did precisely that. He has that trait; I have seen him fight his way back.”
Shahid Afridi said, "I wanted Shaheen to be angry with me, If you ask me again, I would still drop him in the next match. Sometimes, to unlock a player's full potential, you have to criticise them and break their ego. And it worked brilliantly."pic.twitter.com/JhdrQ8Vt6L
— Salman. (@TsMeSalman) February 25, 2026
Hence then, the article about shahid afridi abandons son in law shaheen afridi reveals daughter s reaction was published today ( ) and is available on cricketaddictor ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Shahid Afridi abandons son-in-law Shaheen Afridi, reveals daughter's reaction )
Also on site :
- Ann Godoff, Penguin Press Founder and Editor, Dies at 76
- Starmer urges voters to reject ‘toxic’ politics in last ditch plea to win crucial Gorton and Denton by-election
- Ryan Gosling's Latest Film Compared to Massive Hit Ranked Among 'Best Movies of All Time'