Shahid Afridi's Blazing Assessment Of Shadab Khan Ignites Leadership Crisis Debate: ‘Wouldn't Even Keep Him In Team’

Pakistan T20 World Cup Exit: Pakistan's disappointing exit from the Super Eights stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup has sparked intense debate about the team's leadership, with former captain Shahid Afridi strongly criticising all-rounder Shadab Khan's performance and his place in the team.

Afridi's harsh assessment comes amid the belief that Salman Ali Agha might be replaced as captain, with Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi being touted as potential successors. Afridi, however, made it clear he does not see Shadab as part of the answer.

"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.

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Shadab's numbers from the tournament, 118 runs and five wickets in seven matches, have raised eyebrows of cricket pundits, 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 concluded on a bitter note as the side, despite a late push in their final Super 8 fixture against Sri Lanka at Pallekele.

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When Agha was designated captain last year, he became Pakistan's fourth T20I skipper in 12 months. In his first World Cup as a captain, he managed just 60 runs in seven innings at an average of 10.00.

"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.