Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s early exit from the Super Eights at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has reignited debate over the team’s leadership, with former captain Shahid Afridi offering a sharp assessment of all-rounder Shadab Khan amid speculation about a potential change at the top.Having failed to reach the semifinals of an ICC event for the fourth consecutive time, uncertainty now surrounds current T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha. Media reports have named Shadab and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as possible successors if the board decides to overhaul the leadership group.
Afridi, though, made it clear he does not view Shadab as the answer. “Looking at his performance, I wouldn’t even keep him in the team, let alone give him the captaincy,” the former Pakistan captain said in an interview with Samaa TV.Shadab’s returns in the tournament — 118 runs and five wickets in seven matches — have drawn criticism, with Afridi questioning the backing the all-rounder continues to receive.“If Mike Hesson stays on as the coach, he was also there at Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League. Mike Hesson became Pakistan’s coach after his stint in the PSL. From there, his association with Shadab started,” Afridi said. “The head coach is giving Shadab chance after chance. That’s why I said Shadab can become the next Pakistan captain. But looking at his recent performance, he doesn’t even deserve a place in the playing XI.”Pakistan’s campaign ended despite a late surge in their final Super 8 match against Sri Lanka at Pallekele. After posting 221 for 8, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 148 or fewer to remain in contention. Sri Lanka closed on 207 for 6, sealing a narrow five-run defeat and confirming Pakistan’s exit.Instability in leadership has further compounded the team’s struggles. When Agha was appointed captain last year, he became Pakistan’s fourth T20I skipper 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 required going forward and has backed opener Fakhar Zaman for the role. “Looking at the current situation, I would go with Fakhar Zaman. I want an aggressive captain. Right now, only one player fits the bill, and that is Fakhar,” he said.With another global tournament ending in disappointment, Pakistan now face crucial decisions over leadership and team composition.
