Mike Hesson Issues Verdict On Shaheen Afridi's Captaincy Future, Replacement Explored By Veteran

Mike Hesson gives verdict on Shaheen Afridi [Source: @CallMeSheri1_/x, AFP]

Pakistan suffered a humiliating 11-run defeat to Bangladesh in Mirpur to lose the three-match ODI series 1-2. Under the leadership of fast-bowling maverick Shaheen Afridi, Bangladesh batted first and posted a commanding total before the visitors folded up in a thrilling chase.

Following Pakistan’s shocking series defeat, several fans and cricket experts in the country are now criticizing captain Shaheen, with some even questioning his tactical decisions throughout the tour.

Amid rising scrutiny from cricket experts like former fast bowler Mohammad Amir, the current skipper has received backing from Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson.

Mike Hesson backs Shaheen Afridi despite series defeat

Pakistan suffered a demoralizing 1-2 series defeat to hosts Bangladesh in Mirpur after losing the decider by 11 runs on Sunday, March 15. Amid several calls for the removal of struggling captain Shaheen Afridi after the series defeat, the senior fast bowler has now received the backing of his head coach Mike Hesson.

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While speaking during the post-match press conference, Mike Hesson said that Shaheen has “done really well” for the team, and is always “positive” with the group. The New Zealander added that Afridi is not only “tactically smart” as a captain, but has also performed well in the series as a bowler.

Mike Hesson said, “I think he's done really well. You know, with the youngsters, as I said, it's not easy. You're getting to know some of these players on the fly a little bit, but he was always positive within the group. When we were down a little bit, he brought the group back up. I thought tactically he was smart, and his performances with the ball were good as well, especially from a length perspective. He's had a good series.”

Amir calls for Shaheen Afridi’s head, urges PCB to appoint Salman Agha

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir, on the other hand, has asked for the removal of Shaheen Afridi as the national team’s ODI captain. The cricket expert even urged the PCB to strip Shan Masood off his Test captaincy, and hand over the team’s Test and ODI leadership reigns to T20I captain Salman Agha.

Amir praised the star all-rounder, and described him as Pakistan’s most consistent performer in recent times, outperforming even legendary batter Babar Azam.

Taking to his YouTube channel, Mohammad Amir predicted that Pakistan will “regret” at the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa next year if Salman Agha is not named as team’s all-format captain.

He said, “It's right time for PCB to appoint Salman Agha as ODI and test captain. Otherwise, we will regret in the World Cup 2027 for not making him the captain. No other Pakistani player has been as consistent as him in recent past. Not even Babar Azam.”

Shaheen Afridi’s track record as captain

Shaheen Afridi was first named Pakistan’s ODI captain in late 2025 for the home series against South Africa and Sri Lanka. Under his leadership, the ‘Men in Green’ pipped the Proteas 2-1 and Sri Lanka by a comprehensive 3-0 margin. However, Salman Agha led the side in one of the ODIs against Sri Lanka after Afridi was ruled out of the playing XI.

In the recently-concluded series against Bangladesh, Pakistan suffered a crushing nine-wicket defeat in the first match, and another 11-run humiliation in the decider to lose the series 1-2. Overall, Shaheen has led Pakistan to five wins in his eight ODI matches as captain.

While his captaincy numbers are far from poor, it remains to be seen if the PCB will continue to place its faith in the speedster amid growing calls for a leadership change.

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