Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi believes Shadab Khan is the frontrunner to take over the nationwide aspect if Mike Hesson continues as head coach. With Pakistan’s marketing campaign on the T20 World Cup 2026 hanging within the steadiness, discussions have already intensified over who may substitute present skipper Salman Ali Agha. Many specialists in Pakistan really feel Agha’s place is below menace after the group’s underwhelming exhibiting within the event.Pakistan acquired a well timed enhance when England beat New Zealand by 4 wickets in Colombo on Friday, protecting their semi-final hopes alive. To progress, Agha’s males should defeat Sri Lanka in Pallekele by 65 runs or chase down the goal with 40 balls remaining to surpass New Zealand on web run price.
Ahead of that essential fixture, Afridi pointed to Shadab’s robust working relationship with Hesson, constructed throughout their time collectively at Islamabad United within the Pakistan Super League, as a decisive issue.“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, stemming from their stint with Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League. Shadab is not a bad choice, but if his performance as a bowler was better, then it would have been great,” Afridi mentioned on Samaa.TV.“We need Shadab to come up with consistent performances. If that comes, we will also feel good about calling him the captain. I always used to say he was the backbone of the team. I think Shadab will be made the captain as they don’t have any other choice. Make him the captain, but he should be a performer,” he added.Interestingly, following Pakistan’s 61-run defeat to India earlier within the event, Afridi had urged group administration to go away Shadab out on account of his struggles with each bat and ball.Shadab later responded sharply to criticism from a number of former gamers, together with Afridi. After an all-round show in opposition to Namibia, he claimed his present group may defeat India within the World Cup, one thing he mentioned former gamers couldn’t boast of. The remarks drew vital backlash, and he confronted heavy criticism from a number of quarters.Afridi shouldn’t be alone in predicting a management change. Earlier, Shoaib Malik additionally indicated that Shadab’s elevation might already be in movement.“Shadab’s name has started doing the rounds as far as captaincy is concerned,” Malik mentioned on ARY News.As it stands, Pakistan are but to register a win within the Super 8 stage. Their fixture in opposition to New Zealand was washed out, whereas they suffered a slim defeat to England, leaving their semi-final destiny depending on a dramatic turnaround
