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Former all-rounder Shahid Afridi believes Shadab Khan will not be a bad choice to captain Pakistan’s T20I team, emphasizing that consistent performances will be key if he is to lead the team following the conclusion of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Currently, Salman Ali Agha is leading the side in the shorter format. The 2009 champions are on the brink of elimination after losing to England in the Super Eight.
Shahid Afridi shared his views on the captaincy while talking on a private channel.
“If the same coach [Mike Hesson] continues, then in my opinion, Shadab Khan will be appointed as captain,” he remarked.
The 27-year-old backed Shadab Khan amid limited options to lead the side.
“Shadab is not a bad choice for captaincy because we do not have many other options at the moment,” he continued
“However, if Shadab had maintained consistency in his bowling, the way he was performing earlier, it would have strengthened his case,” Afridi explained.
The 48-year-old linked better performances from Shadab with leadership responsibility.
“As captain, we also need him to contribute regularly with his performances so that when someone talks about him, it will be worth mentioning. Appoint him as captain, but he will have to perform,” he concluded.
For the unversed, Salman Ali Agha was appointed the captain of the Pakistan T20I side in March 2025, replacing wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan.
Under his leadership, Pakistan played 49 T20Is, winning 30 and losing 18. His win percentage record is 61.22.
Pakistan played 49 T20Is under his captaincy, winning 30 and losing 18, with a win rate of 61.22%. Despite this, they failed to claim the Asia Cup 2025, losing four times to arch-rivals India.
However, Pakistan struggled in major matches, particularly against arch-rivals India, whom they faced four times- three in the Asia Cup, including the final, and one in the T20 World Cup 2026.
