Shadab Khan elevated as new Pakistan captain; Shahid Afridi alleges Mike Hesson's favouritism

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said that Shadab Khan could become Pakistan’s next T20I captain if Mike Hesson continues as head coach after the T20 World Cup 2026. Afridi added that Hesson could play a key role in the leadership decision, given his working relationship with Shadab at Islamabad United.

Pakistan are still in contention in the T20 World Cup 2026, but talk around the team’s leadership has already begun. Several experts believe Salman Ali Agha could be replaced as captain after Pakistan’s underwhelming performances. Speculation has started over who could take over the captaincy of Pakistan next.

Shadab Khan Will Be Made the Captain - Shahid Afridi

Ahead of the match against Sri Lanka, Shahid Afridi said that Shadab Khan is the frontrunner to become Pakistan’s next captain. Afridi pointed out that Shadab and Mike Hesson worked together at Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League.

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“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 said on Samaa.TV.

We Need Shadab Khan to Come Up With Consistent Performances - Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi said that Shadab Khan needs to deliver consistent performances to justify a role as captain. Afridi added that Pakistan do not have many alternatives at the moment.

“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.

After Pakistan’s 61-run defeat to India, Afridi had said that Shadab should be dropped from the squad due to his poor performances with both bat and ball.

Shadab Khan’s Name Has Started Doing the Rounds - Shoaib Malik

Earlier, Shadab Khan hit back at former Pakistan cricketers, including Shahid Afridi. After his all-round performance against Namibia, Shadab said that his team had defeated India in the World Cup in 2021, something former players could not claim.

Afridi is not the only one to suggest Shadab as a future captain. Earlier, Shoaib Malik also said that plans were already in motion to make Shadab the next skipper. Malik added that Shadab’s name was being discussed seriously for the role.

“Shadab's name has started doing the rounds as far as captaincy is concerned,” said Malik on ARY News.

On the field, Pakistan have struggled in the Super 8 stage of the World Cup. Their match against New Zealand was abandoned due to rain, while they suffered a close loss to England. As a result, Pakistan are yet to register a win in the Super 8s.

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