New Delhi, March 2 – Pakistan's early exit from the Super Eights at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup has sparked fresh debate over the team's leadership, with former captain Shahid Afridi delivering a scathing assessment of all-rounder Shadab Khan amid speculation about a possible leadership change.
With Pakistan failing to reach the semifinals of an ICC event for the fourth consecutive time, uncertainty surrounds current T20I captain Salman Ali Agha. Media reports have suggested Shadab and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as potential successors if the board opts for a leadership overhaul.
Afridi, however, made it clear that he does not see Shadab as part of the solution. "Looking at his performance, I wouldn't even keep him on the team, let alone give him the captaincy," the Pakistani great said in an interview with Samaa TV.
Shadab's tournament statistics, 118 runs and five wickets in seven matches, have come under scrutiny, and Afridi questioned the continued support the all-rounder has received.
"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. From there, his association with Shadab started," Afridi said. "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."
Pakistan's campaign ended despite a late push in their final Super 8 fixture against the Sri Lanka national cricket team at Pallekele. After posting 221 for 8, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 148 or fewer to stay in contention. Sri Lanka finished on 207 for 6, handing Pakistan a narrow five-run defeat and confirming their exit.
Leadership instability has compounded the team's struggles. When Agha was appointed captain last year, he became Pakistan's fourth T20I skipper in 12 months. In his maiden World Cup as a leader, he managed just 60 runs in seven innings at an average of 10.00.
Afridi believes a more attacking approach is needed moving forward and has thrown his weight behind opener Fakhar Zaman. "Looking at the current situation, I would go with Fakhar Zaman. I want an aggressive captain. Right now, only one player fits the bill, and that is Fakhar," he said.
With Pakistan once again left to reassess after a setback in a global tournament, significant decisions regarding leadership and team composition now appear imminent.
