Shahid Afridi: “Shadab is not a bad choice for [the] captaincy because we do not have many other options at the moment”
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Legendary Pakistan power-hitter Shahid Afridi has backed spin-bowling all-rounder Shadab Khan to replace Salman Ali Agha as T20I captain.
Salman’s future as skipper remains uncertain, particularly following Pakistan’s performance at the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Afridi believes Shadab is currently the best option for the role and expects him to be appointed captain as long as Mike Hesson continues as the national team’s white-ball coach.
However, the former all-rounder cautioned that if the 27-year-old is handed the responsibility, he will be under pressure to deliver with the ball and perform consistently.
“If the same coach (Mike Hesson) continues, then in my opinion, Shadab Khan will be appointed as captain,” Afridi was quoted as saying by A Sports.
“Shadab is not a bad choice for [the] captaincy because we do not have many other options at the moment. However, if Shadab had maintained consistency in his bowling the way he was performing earlier, it would have strengthened his case.
“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.”
Shadab was not picked for Pakistan’s ongoing two-Test series against the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago, but Salman is part of the squad.
After their tour of the West Indies, the men in green will travel to England for a three-Test series from August 19 to September 13.
Pakistan Squad for West Indies Test Series: Babar Azam (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah
Pakistan Squad for England Test Series: Babar Azam (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah