Pakistan’s shambolic exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup has raised huge concerns for their team. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to penalise the players with PKR 50,00,000 for their disappointing performance in the World Cup, skipper Salman Agha is also expected to step down from the leadership role.
Rumours and a few reports suggest that the board is thinking of appointing Shadab Khan as their next captain. However, former Pakistan great Shahid Afridi thinks otherwise. Afridi is not in favour of handing over the leadership role to Shadab Khan given the kind of form he is in. In fact, the former Pakistan international believes that Khan doesn’t even deserve a place in the first XI.
“Looking at his performance, I wouldn't even keep him in the team, let alone give him the captaincy. If Mike Hesson stays on as the coach, he was also there at Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League. Mike Hesson became Pakistan's coach after his stint in the PSL," said Afridi on Samaa.TV.
He further added, “From there, his association with Shadab started. The head coach is giving Shadab chance after chance. That's why I said Shadab can become the next Pakistan captain. But looking at his recent performance, he doesn't even deserve a place in the playing XI,”
Shahid Afridi also opened up about who he thinks should be Pakistan’s next captain and boldly suggested the name of Fakhar Zaman. Afridi believes Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive approach is what Pakistan need at the moment and he is the perfect fit for the captain’s role.
“Looking at the current situation, I would go with Fakhar Zaman. I want an aggressive captain,” said Afridi. Right now, only one player fits the bill, and that is Fakhar,” said Afridi.
In seven outings, Shadab managed to score just 118 runs with a disappointing average of 16.8 runs per match. Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman scored 119 runs in just three games with an impressive average of 39.6.
