Shahid Afridi Orders Mohsin Naqvi's PCB To Appoint 35-Year-Old As Pakistan T20I Captain

PCB ordered to appoint Fakhar Zaman as T20I captain [Source: AFP]

Pakistan was one of the favourites to at least reach the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2026, but despite getting favourable conditions and pitches suiting their bowlers, the Men in Green fumbled as they crashed out of the competition in the Super 8 stage.

In the Super 8s, Pakistan’s first game against New Zealand was abandoned, and it was followed by a crushing defeat against England. They needed to beat Sri Lanka by a huge margin, but that couldn’t happen as the team got knocked out.

Pakistan ordered to appoint Fakhar Zaman as T20I captain

Several players underperformed, including the Pakistan T20I skipper, Salman Ali Agha. His tactical decisions were questioned, and the team selection also came under jeopardy as the Asian side failed to deliver the goods. Moreover, Salman Agha couldn’t perform with the bat despite promoting himself at number 3.

Ex-Pakistan players have voiced their opinion on Salman Agha’s captaincy, and have called for his removal. One such vocal player is former skipper Shahid Afridi. Afridi criticised Salman Agha for his questionable tactics and advised PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi to appoint Fakhar Zaman as the new T20I captain.

Maham Gillani

@DheetAfridian

Shahid Afridi said that in the current situation,if he had to choose a T20 captain, he would suggest Fakhar Zaman.He explained that he wants an aggressive captain.Acc to @SAfridiOfficial at that time,the only player who fits that aggressive mindset is Fakhar Zaman. #T20WorldCup

Mar 1, 2026, 4:48 PM

“Looking at the current situation, I would go with Fakhar Zaman. I want an aggressive captain,” said Afridi on SAMAA TV.

“Right now, only one player fits the bill, and that is Fakhar,” he added.

Afridi not in support of Shadab Khan as Pakistan captain

Several reports emerged that stated that after Salman Agha, Pakistan is looking at Shadab Khan as the next potential T20I skipper. This decision was met with heavy criticism as experts believed that the all-rounder doesn’t even deserve to be a part of the playing XI.

Shahid Afridi, too, is not a fan of Shadab in the T20I side and stated that on merit, the player doesn’t deserve to be the captain, let alone be a part of the playing XI.

“Looking at his performance, I wouldn't even keep him in the team, let alone give him the captaincy. 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," Afridi said on Samaa.TV.

“From there, his association with Shadab started. 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,” he added.

Also Read: Shahid Afridi Thrashes Son-In-Law Shaheen Afridi For Pakistan's Exit

On merit, does Fakhar deserves Pakistan T20I captaincy?

At 35, Fakhar Zaman is not getting any younger, and he might not be the long-term solution that the team requires at the moment. He can be a short-term solution, but if the team wants a rebuild in the shortest format, they require someone who is young, dynamic, and will be on the team for a longer duration.

Moreover, barring his performance against Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup, his batting stats have gone downhill. Interestingly, Fakhar has been in and out of the T20I squad as of late, and the team has hardly shown any trust in him. As a result, he should not be appointed captain.

Also Read: Babar Azam's 3 Potential Replacements In Pakistan Team