Pakistan‘s tumultuous campaign T20 World Cup 2026 causing another wave of controversy back home with the former captain Shahid Afridi star openly questions his all-round leadership credentials. Afridi’s blunt words added fuel to an already tense conversation around the direction of Pakistan cricket as speculation mounted over a possible change in captaincy after the team’s poor run.
Pakistan’s below-average campaign in T20 World Cup 2026
Pakistan failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights in a missed-chance campaign. Although they registered a narrow 5-run win over Sri Lanka in the last match of the Super 8, it was not enough to keep their hopes alive.
It is led by a captain Salman Ali AghaPakistan’s journey has been marked by instability. A damaging group stage defeat to India dampened their momentum early and their inability to close out crucial moments in the Super Eights proved costly in the end. When the scores were tallied, Pakistan eliminated themselves due to their lower net run rate compared to New Zealand.
The narrow edges reflected a wider issue – flashes of brilliance but little sustained control. An early exit for a talent-rich team has led to serious introspection in cricket circles in Pakistan.
Shahid Afridi questions Pakistan’s next potential captain candidate
Criticism has been widespread since the cancellation. While Agha faced scrutiny for his leadership during the tournament, reports suggest this Shadab Khan could be considered to have provoked a strong reaction from Afridi, the next T20 captain. Speaking on Samaa TV, Afridi did not hold back when criticizing Shadabi.
“Looking at his performance, I wouldn’t keep him in the team, I wouldn’t even give him the captaincy.” The former all-rounder said while reacting to speculations about Shadab replacing Salman.
Afridi went further and said that repeated support from the team management did not translate into results.
“The head coach is giving Shadab chance after chance. That’s why I said that Shadab can be the next captain of Pakistan. But looking at his recent performances, he doesn’t even deserve a place in any squad.” he added.
Shadab’s numbers in the tournament are disturbing to read. Appearing in seven matches, he managed just five wickets and scored 118 runs – figures that do not match the expectations of a player considered one of Pakistan’s best all-rounders. His struggle with both bat and ball has become a talking point, especially in high-pressure games where senior players are expected to step up.
Afridi’s words reflect a larger frustration among fans who believe that leadership should be earned through consistent performance rather than reputation.
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What awaits Pakistan next?
With the T20 World Cup campaign over, Pakistan are now focusing on rebuilding and recalibrating. The team is entering a period of transition both competitively and structurally.
As preparations begin for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the focus is on the 50-over format. Pakistan is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on March 9 for a three-match ODI series, with all the games to be played around the clock at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The series offers an opportunity to reset combinations and evaluate emerging players.
Later in the year, Pakistan will tour England for a three-match Test series at Headingley on August 19 – a tough assignment that will test the team’s mettle in red-ball cricket.
Also READ: PCB set to punish Pakistan players after outrageous display at T20 World Cup 2026 – Reports
