KARACHI: The discussion around Shadab Khan’s potential appointment as the next captain of Pakistan’s cricket team has gained fresh momentum, but not without significant opposition from seasoned former players. Basit Ali and Shoaib Malik, two respected names in Pakistan’s cricketing history, have openly expressed their reservations about Shadab taking on the leadership role. Their concerns come in the wake of Pakistan’s closely contested defeat against England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage on February 24, a match that has since sparked widespread debate among cricket enthusiasts and experts alike.
In that crucial encounter, England chased down a target of 165 runs, clinching victory by two wickets. The match was largely defined by Harry Brook’s remarkable century, which played a pivotal role in England’s successful chase. However, Pakistan’s performance came under intense scrutiny, with critics pointing fingers at several tactical decisions and individual displays. The spotlight fell particularly on Babar Azam’s slow batting approach, Shadab Khan’s underwhelming all-round performance, and the contentious decision to leave Abrar Ahmed out of the playing eleven.
Shadab Khan, who has been entrusted with responsibilities as an all-rounder, faced sharp criticism for conceding too many runs during the middle overs—a phase often regarded as crucial for maintaining pressure on the opposition. Observers argued that his inability to contain the scoring rate allowed Harry Brook to settle in comfortably and dominate the innings. Moreover, analysts noted Shadab’s recent inconsistency, especially highlighting how his leg-spin bowling has failed to make a significant impact even on pitches known for assisting spinners, such as the one at Pallekele.
Adding to the chorus of criticism, former cricketer Ahmed Shehzad remarked on Shadab’s performance, emphasizing that the runs leaked during the middle overs came at a time when Pakistan needed to tighten their grip on the game. Despite these ongoing struggles, there are reports suggesting that Shadab Khan remains in consideration for future captaincy roles within the national setup—a prospect that has surprised many followers of Pakistan cricket.
During a discussion on a popular sports program, Shoaib Malik voiced his concerns about Shadab’s leadership qualities, drawing attention to his tenure with Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League. Malik pointed out that Shadab’s tendency to make decisions independently, without adequate consultation, has been a recurring issue, mirroring the challenges faced within the national team’s middle order. This approach, Malik suggested, has contributed to instability and inconsistency in Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Basit Ali also weighed in on the debate, recalling Shadab’s previous stint as captain during the series against Afghanistan. He criticized Shadab for creating unnecessary controversy by announcing the team squad two days ahead of the series, a move that did not sit well with many and was followed by Pakistan’s unexpected series loss to a comparatively less experienced Afghan side in the UAE. Basit firmly stated that Shadab Khan should not be considered for the captaincy, citing the poor results under his leadership as a key reason.
Meanwhile, Shoaib Malik hinted that the rumors about Shadab’s potential elevation to captaincy might have been deliberately leaked to gauge public opinion and stir debate within cricketing circles. This strategic move, if true, reflects the complexities and sensitivities involved in selecting a leader for Pakistan’s cricket team, especially at a time when the squad is under pressure to perform consistently on the global stage.
As the conversation continues, the cricketing fraternity remains divided over Shadab Khan’s suitability for the captain’s role. While some see potential in his all-round abilities and leadership promise, others urge caution, emphasizing the need for proven consistency and tactical acumen before entrusting him with the team’s future. With Pakistan’s cricketing landscape evolving rapidly, the decision on captaincy will undoubtedly have significant implications for the team’s performance and morale in upcoming international fixtures.
