NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s early exit from the Super Eights of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup reignited the debate over the team’s leadership as former captain Shahid Afridi offered a scathing assessment of all-rounder Shadab Khan amid speculation of a potential change at the top.Uncertainty now surrounds current T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, who failed to reach the semi-finals of the ICC tournament for the fourth time in a row. Media reports have named Shadab and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as possible successors if the board decides to overhaul the leadership group.
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However, Afridi made it clear that he did not consider Shadab to be 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 support the all-rounder continues to receive.“If Mike Hesson stays as coach, he was also with Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League. Mike Hesson became the Pakistan coach after his PSL stint. That’s where 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 if I look at his recent performance, he doesn’t even deserve a place in the playing eleven.”Pakistan’s campaign ended despite a late surge in their final Super 8 match against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. After posting 221 for 8, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 148 or less to stay in contention. Sri Lanka closed on 207 for 6, sealing a narrow five-run defeat and confirming Pakistan’s exit.Instability in leadership added to the team’s struggles. When Agha was named 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. “If we look at the current situation, I would go with Fakhar Zaman. I want an aggressive captain. There is only one player who fits right now and that is Fakhar,” he said.With yet another global tournament ending in disappointment, Pakistan now face major decisions regarding leadership and team composition.
