Shahid Afridi Claims Shadab Khan Will Captain if Hesson Stays
Shahid Afridi has expressed his belief that Shadab Khan is in line to captain the Pakistan cricket team if Mike Hesson remains as head coach. This comment comes amid critical discussions regarding the future of current captain Salman Ali Agha after a disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Shadab Khan: The Frontrunner for Pakistan Captaincy
Pakistan’s campaign in the T20 World Cup remains uncertain. Agha’s leadership is under scrutiny following the team’s lackluster results. However, a recent victory by England over New Zealand has kept Pakistan’s chances alive. To advance, the team must either defeat Sri Lanka by 65 runs or chase a target successfully within 40 balls to improve their net run rate.
Afridi’s Insights on Shadab Khan
Afridi emphasized Shadab’s strong relationship with Hesson, which developed during their tenure with Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League. He remarked, “If Mike Hesson stays on as the coach, then I think Shadab Khan will be made the captain. They have a connection and go back a long way.”
- Shahid Afridi believes Shadab is essential for team morale.
- Afridi noted that Shadab’s performance needs to improve to justify the captaincy.
- He previously suggested excluding Shadab after a loss to India, citing poor form.
Shadab recently responded to criticism from former players, asserting that his current team could defeat India, in contrast to past teams. This statement attracted both support and backlash.
Support from Shoaib Malik
Former cricketer Shoaib Malik echoed Afridi’s sentiments, suggesting that Shadab’s potential promotion to captaincy is being discussed. “Shadab’s name has started doing the rounds as far as captaincy is concerned,” he remarked.
Current Status of Pakistan’s World Cup Campaign
As of now, Pakistan has not secured a win in the Super 8 stage. Their match against New Zealand was abandoned, and they narrowly lost to England. The team faces a critical juncture as they look for a turnaround to secure a semi-final spot in the tournament.
The future of the team, including potential leadership changes, will depend heavily on forthcoming performances, particularly against Sri Lanka.
