In a press conference prior to the National Champions Cup 2026, Pakistani bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi responded to enquiries on his future as Pakistan’s ODI captain. Four teams played seven 50-over matches during the tournament, which took place from August 11 to August 18. Afridi will be the competition’s skipper for Pakistan Gold.
Following rumours that Babar Azam accepted the Test leadership with promises from selectors about a possible all-format position, rumours about Afridi’s captaincy have surfaced. Babar was reportedly informed by two selectors that he would be considered for the all-format captaincy if he performed well in the forthcoming two-Test series against the West Indies and a three-Test trip of England. Babar will lead Pakistan at the 2027 ODI World Cup, according to former batter Basit Ali.
Shaheen’s remarks regarding his captaincy status
The current Pakistani ODI captain responded forcefully, notwithstanding the reports.
Since taking over for Mohammad Rizwan in October 2025, Afridi has captained Pakistan in 11 ODIs. Out of the 11 games, he has seven victories. Under his direction, Pakistan recently defeated Australia in a series at home.
Pakistan’s World Cup preparations relied heavily on the National Champions Cup. Afridi clarified that the competition would aid in developing depth for the 2027 World Cup, which will take place in Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Pakistan frequently sustains injuries during World Cups, and the tournament pool would assist in finding substitutes if necessary.
Developing depth in preparation for the 2027 World Cup
Afridi turned his attention away from the uncertainties surrounding his situation and toward the National Champions Cup, which will take place from August 11 to 18 and will include some of Pakistan’s best local players. The left-arm bowler thinks the competition may be essential to bolstering Pakistan’s depth in the squad before the World Cup.
