New Delhi: Pakistan’s early exit from the Super Eights in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has reignited the team’s leadership debate, with former captain Shahid Afridi offering a scathing assessment of all-rounder Shadab Khan amid speculation about a possible change at the top.After failing to reach the semi-finals of an ICC event for the fourth time in a row, uncertainty now surrounds current T20I captain Salman Ali Agha. Media reports have named Shadab and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as potential successors if the board decides to overhaul the leadership group.
T20 World Cup: Gautam Gambhir over Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah and record chase against West Indies
However, Afridi made it clear that he does not see Shadab as the solution. “Given his performance, I will not even keep him in the team, let alone give him the captaincy,” the former Pakistan captain said in an interview with Sama TV.
Shadab’s return in the tournament – 118 runs and five wickets in seven matches – has drawn criticism, with Afridi questioning the support the all-rounder continues to receive.“If Mike Hesson stayed as coach, he was also there for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League. Mike Hesson became the coach of Pakistan after his stint in the Pakistan Super League. From there, his association with Shadab began,” Afridi said. “The coach is giving Shadab chance after chance.
That’s why I said Shadab can become Pakistan’s next captain. But given his recent performance, he doesn’t even deserve a place in the starting lineup.
“Pakistan’s campaign ended despite taking a late lead in their final Super 8 match against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. Posting 221 for 8, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 148 or less to remain in the contest. Sri Lanka closed on 207 for 6, sealing a five-run defeat and confirming Pakistan’s exit.Instability in leadership exacerbated the team’s suffering. When Agha was appointed captain last year, he became Pakistan’s fourth T20I captain in 12 months. In his first World Cup as captain, he scored just 60 runs in seven innings at an average of 10.00.Afridi feels a more aggressive approach is needed going forward and has backed opener Fakhar Zaman for the role. He said: “Given the current situation, I will choose Fekhar Zaman. I want a strong leader. At the moment, there is only one player who fits the list, and that is Fekhar.”With another disappointing World Championship ending, Pakistan now face crucial decisions on leadership and team composition.