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Afridi Blasts Shadab Khan: "Doesn't Deserve a Place in the Team"

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has delivered a harsh assessment of all-rounder Shadab Khan, stating he does not deserve a place in the national team, let alone be considered for captaincy. Afridi questioned the consistent backing Shadab receives, suggesting it stems from his association with head coach Mike Hesson from their PSL days. With Pakistan's early T20 World Cup exit fueling leadership debates, Afridi endorsed opener Fakhar Zaman as an aggressive captaincy candidate. The criticism comes amid scrutiny of current skipper Salman Ali Agha's performance and broader instability in Pakistan's T20I leadership.

Key Points: Shahid Afridi Slams Shadab Khan's Pakistan Captaincy Rumors

  • Afridi's scathing critique of Shadab Khan
  • Questions coach Mike Hesson's backing
  • Backs Fakhar Zaman as aggressive captain
  • Pakistan's T20 World Cup exit sparks leadership debate
  • Salman Ali Agha's poor form as skipper
3 min read

Wouldn't even keep Shadab in the team, let alone give him the captaincy, says Shahid Afridi

Former captain Shahid Afridi says Shadab Khan shouldn't even be in the Pakistan team, criticizes coach backing, and backs Fakhar Zaman for T20I captaincy.

"Looking at his performance, I wouldn't even keep him in the team, let alone give him the captaincy. - Shahid Afridi"

New Delhi, March 2

Pakistan's early exit from the Super Eights at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup has triggered fresh debate over the team's leadership, with former captain Shahid Afridi delivering a scathing assessment of all-rounder Shadab Khan amid speculation over a possible captaincy change.

With Pakistan failing to reach the semifinals of an ICC event for the fourth straight time, uncertainty surrounds current T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha. Media reports have suggested Shadab and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as potential successors should the board opt for a leadership overhaul.

Afridi, however, made it clear he does not see Shadab as part of the solution. "Looking at his performance, I wouldn't even keep him in the team, let alone give him the captaincy," the Pakistani great said in an interview with Samaa TV.

Shadab's numbers from the tournament, 118 runs and five wickets in seven matches, have come under scrutiny, and Afridi questioned the continued backing the all-rounder has received.

"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 push in their final Super 8 fixture against the Sri Lanka national cricket team at Pallekele. After posting 221 for 8, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 148 or fewer to stay in contention. Sri Lanka finished on 207 for 6, handing Pakistan a narrow five-run defeat and confirming their exit.

Leadership instability has compounded the team's struggles. When Agha was appointed captain last year, he became Pakistan's fourth T20I skipper in 12 months. In his maiden World Cup as a leader, he managed just 60 runs in seven innings at an average of 10.00.

Afridi believes a more attacking approach is needed moving forward and has thrown his weight behind opener Fakhar Zaman. "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 Pakistan once again left to reassess after a setback in a global tournament, significant decisions regarding leadership and team composition now appear imminent.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral cricket fan, the instability is shocking. Four captains in a year? No team can build a winning culture like that. It's not just about Shadab, the entire system seems broken. They need a long-term plan, not just a reaction to every loss.
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Rohit P
Honestly, from an Indian fan's perspective, it's sad to see our arch-rivals in such disarray. A strong Pakistan team makes for a better contest. But Afridi's comments, while harsh, highlight a real issue - performance must be the only criteria. No place for favoritism. 🇮🇳🤝
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Ananya R
Fakhar Zaman as captain? That's an interesting choice. He's definitely aggressive and plays without fear. But is he a tactical thinker? Captaincy needs more than just aggression. Pakistan's board needs to think very carefully this time.
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Karthik V
The coach-player nexus that Afridi is hinting at is a problem in many cricket boards, not just PCB. When a coach brings his "favorite" players from a franchise, it blocks the path for others. Merit should always come first, yaar.
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Michael C
While I respect Shahid Afridi's opinion as a legend, publicly saying a player doesn't deserve to be in the team can be very damaging to that player's confidence. There has to be a more constructive way to have these discussions within the cricket fraternity.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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