Pakistan cricket has again entered intense discussion over national team leadership. Recently, Babar Azam regained the Test captaincy. Now, conversations suggest he could also receive control of the ODI side. However, current skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi has made his position clear. According to Shaheen, the ODI captaincy still remains with him.
A questioner asked whether coach Mike Hesson and chief selector Aaqib Javed continued supporting his leadership. Shaheen smiled before giving a brief response. He said, “As of now, I am Pakistan’s ODI captain.” His remark suggests he has received no official information about any leadership change.
Meanwhile, discussions continue within Pakistan Cricket Board circles about giving Babar command across all three formats. Reports claim Babar placed one condition before accepting Test leadership. According to those reports, he wanted eventual control across every format.
Babar Azam Could Eventually Lead All Three Formats
Pakistan will also consider Babar’s performance during Test series against West Indies and England. Additionally, team results across those tours could influence the leadership decision. Strong performances may strengthen Babar’s chances of receiving the ODI captaincy.
Babar has previously captained Pakistan across all three formats. However, his teams failed to produce consistently strong results under that leadership. Eventually, he stepped away from captaincy duties. Now, renewed discussions about another leadership role have started a fresh debate across Pakistan cricket.
The current situation therefore places Babar’s possible return alongside Shaheen’s existing ODI position. However, no official change has reached Shaheen yet. His latest statement clearly reflects that position.
Questions Around Shaheen Continue Before the ODI World Cup
Shaheen received Pakistan’s ODI captaincy last October. He replaced Mohammad Rizwan in that role. Under Rizwan, Pakistan exited the Champions Trophy during the opening round. Afterwards, the team also lost a series against West Indies.
Shaheen, however, has achieved notable leadership success with Lahore Qalandars. Under his captaincy, the franchise won three PSL trophies. Despite that record, discussions about changing Pakistan’s national captain have continued regularly.
Consequently, Shaheen’s future as ODI leader still lacks complete clarity. Pakistan also has a major target ahead next year with the ODI World Cup. Before that tournament, the side must play several important series.
Therefore, PCB could take a significant captaincy decision soon. If Babar receives ODI leadership, discussions involving both players will intensify again. For now, Shaheen’s statement establishes one clear position. On paper, Pakistan’s ODI captaincy still belongs to him.
