Shaheen Afridi addresses ODI captaincy discussions...

By Rohan Gupta — 11 August 2026 — 3 min read

Afridi on Captaincy and National Champions Cup

Shaheen Shah Afridi, the current Pakistan ODI captain, has addressed ongoing discussions about his leadership role ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. Speaking at a press conference for the National Champions Cup 2026, Afridi affirmed his current position, stating, “For now, I am the captain.” This statement comes amidst reports suggesting that Babar Azam could potentially return as the team’s all-format captain.

Afridi is leading Pakistan Gold in the National Champions Cup 2026, a tournament scheduled from August 11 to 18. He highlighted the importance of this competition for developing new talent within Pakistan cricket. According to Afridi, the tournament will help identify replacements in case of injuries before the World Cup, ensuring a pool of available players.

The captain also noted that the Champions Cup provides an opportunity for all players to demonstrate their skills in their preferred positions. He emphasised that the team management would monitor both individual performances and fitness levels throughout the tournament, with a focus on preparing for the upcoming World Cup.

Speculation and Leadership Changes

The question of Afridi’s captaincy has been a significant topic in the Pakistan cricket community, particularly given the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)‘s history of leadership changes. Reports from Telecom Asia Sport suggest that the PCB has assured Babar Azam of the captaincy across all three formats, following his appointment as Test captain. The board is reportedly considering handing him charge of the ODI team as well.

When asked if white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and chief selector Aqib Javed still supported him as ODI captain, Afridi responded with a smile before reiterating, “Till now I am the captain.” These comments surface during a period of leadership transitions for Pakistan, which follows a series of less-than-favourable results.

Babar Azam previously led Pakistan in all three formats before stepping down from the captaincy in 2024. Afridi was appointed Pakistan‘s ODI captain in October of the previous year, succeeding Mohammad Rizwan. His appointment did not include a fixed tenure. Under Rizwan, Pakistan experienced an early exit from the Champions Trophy and a subsequent ODI series defeat to the West Indies.

Afridi’s Captaincy Record and Future Outlook

Afridi has achieved notable success as captain of Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League, guiding the franchise to three PSL titles over the past five years. This success has strengthened his case for national captaincy. Despite expectations that he would continue as Pakistan‘s ODI captain until the 2027 World Cup, which is set to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, the frequent leadership changes within Pakistan cricket have introduced uncertainty regarding his position.

Telecom Asia Sport has indicated that Babar Azam accepted the Test captaincy after receiving assurances that he could eventually become Pakistan‘s all-format captain. Sources reportedly informed the publication that two selectors conveyed to Babar that strong performances in upcoming Test series against the West Indies and England would lead to consideration for the all-format role.

Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has also predicted that Babar Azam will captain Pakistan at the 2027 ODI World Cup. Pakistan has a busy schedule ahead in preparation for the tournament, including a home tri-series involving Sri Lanka and England, another tri-series featuring Zimbabwe and Ireland likely to be held in Zimbabwe, and a five-match ODI series in England. For now, Shaheen Shah Afridi remains Pakistan‘s ODI captain, but reports suggest further leadership changes could be forthcoming.