Shahid Afridi Believes This Player Should be Pakistan Captain

Pakistan legend Shahid Khan Afridi has expressed his desire to see young batter Saim Ayub as the captain of Pakistan’s T20I team, had it been possible. Speaking on Samaa TV’s program Zor Ka Jor, Afridi emphasized the need for a captain with a selfless approach to the game.

“There is a need for such a captain who has a selfless approach to the game,” Afridi said, praising Saim Ayub’s potential and temperament. The 21-year-old left-handed batter has impressed with his performances in domestic cricket and the Pakistan Super League (PSL), but an untimely ankle injury has kept him out of action, including the Champions Trophy 2025, where Pakistan struggled to find a reliable opener in his absence.

Shahid Afridi also raised concerns over the selection committee’s decisions, particularly regarding the inclusion of Shadab Khan in the squad for the upcoming New Zealand series. While Afridi did not elaborate on his objections, his comments hinted at dissatisfaction with Shadab’s recent form and fitness.

The former all-rounder further criticized the selection strategy for the Champions Trophy 2025, where Pakistan’s squad lacked balance. “Now there is a need for one spinner, so the selection committee has picked up four spinners,” Afridi remarked sarcastically, pointing out the inconsistency in team planning. Pakistan’s poor performance in the tournament, where they failed to win a single match, has only amplified scrutiny of the selectors’ decisions.