Salman Ali Agha Out! Shahid Afridi Picks Pakistan's Next T20I Captain

Salman Ali Agha and Shahid Afridi (Source:X)

Shahid Afridi has predicted a leadership change in the Pakistan's T20I side after the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Shahid Afridi believes that Shadab Khan is most likely to become Pakistan's next T20I captain, especially if current head coach Mike Hesson continues in his role.

Pakistan's campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has been disappointing so far. Led by Salman Ali Agha, the Men in Green are on the brink of elimination from the Super 8 stage.

Their poor performances have sparked debate back home, with many former cricketers suggesting that a change of captain is inevitable.

Shahid Afridi backs Shadab Khan as Pakistan's next T20I captain

Shahid Afridi, speaking on Samaa TV, said that Shadab Khan appears to be the leading candidate to take over the reins for Pakistan.

He pointed out the strong connection between Shadab Khan and Mike Hesson, who previously worked together at Islamabad United in the PSL.

According to Shahid Afridi, that relationship could play a key role in shaping the team's leadership future.

“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 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.

Interestingly, Shahid Afridi had earlier criticised Shadab Khan following Pakistan's heavy loss to India in the tournament, even suggesting he be dropped due to poor performances with both bat and ball.

However, despite those concerns, Afridi believes Shadab remains the best available option for captaincy.

Salman Ali Agha to be sacked from captaincy

Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount on Salman Ali Agha. Reports suggest that the PCB is considering removing him as T20I captain after the tournament.

A source told RevSportz that the board may wait until after Pakistan's upcoming ODI tour of Bangladesh and the conclusion of the PSL before making a final decision.

“Look, after the World Cup, Pakistan will go to Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series, and then the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will start. Fan anger will die down by then. I think they will wait until the end of the PSL before taking a call,” said the source speaking to RevSportz.

How can Pakistan still qualify for T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals?

It is important to mention that Pakistan still have a slim chance of reaching the semi-finals. England has already secured qualification with three wins. The remaining spot is now a battle between Pakistan and New Zealand.

New Zealand currently has a strong net run rate of +1.390, while Pakistan’s is -0.461. This means Pakistan must do more than just defeat Sri Lanka in their final Super 8 match.

If Pakistan bat first, they need to win by at least 65 runs. If they chase, they must reach the target within 13 overs to surpass New Zealand’s net run-rate.

The task looks challenging, especially given Pakistan’s struggles in the Super 8 stage. Their match against New Zealand was washed out due to rain, and they suffered a narrow defeat to England.