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'For now, I am ODI captain': Shaheen Afridi responds to Babar Azam all-format captaincy reports after T20I, Test return originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Shaheen Afridi insisted he remains Pakistan's ODI captain amid Babar Azam speculation.
- Reports suggest Babar Azam could be handed the all-format captaincy by the PCB.
- Afridi's focus is on the 2027 ODI World Cup and building squad depth.
Babar Azam continues to be pushed for an all-format captaincy return
Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has delivered a pointed response to the growing speculation surrounding his leadership role. Asked whether he would remain in charge for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the fast bowler offered a measured but telling reply.
The uncertainty has been fuelled by fresh reports over Pakistan's leadership structure, with suggestions that former captain Babar Azam could eventually be handed the reins across all three formats. Babar's recent series-levelling Test win over the West Indies has only strengthened that speculation.
Afridi, appointed ODI captain only last year, has seen his tenure come under scrutiny amid Pakistan's frequent changes in leadership. He addressed the matter directly while attending a press conference ahead of the National Champions Cup.
MORE: Babar leads PAK to away Test win in over 3 years, excellent overseas captaincy record
Shaheen Afridi responds to Babar Azam's captaincy reports
Afridi was asked whether the Pakistan Cricket Board had confirmed he would continue as captain through the 2027 World Cup. His answer left the door open to interpretation while making clear where things stand right now. "For now, I am the captain," Afridi replied.
The response came with a wry smile, acknowledging the reality of Pakistan's unsettled leadership picture. According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, the PCB has promised Babar the captaincy across all formats, and having already handed him the Test role, the board is now considering giving him charge of the ODI side as well.
The report claims Babar accepted the Test captaincy on the assurance that he could eventually become all-format skipper, with two selectors reportedly telling him that strong results in the West Indies and England Tests would strengthen his case. Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has also predicted Babar will lead the side at the 2027 World Cup.
MORE: Will Babar reclaim PAK white-ball captaincy? Misbah rejects claim
Shaheen Afridi shifts focus to 2027 ODI World Cup preparations
Rather than dwell on the uncertainty, Afridi turned his attention to the National Champions Cup, which runs from August 11 to 18 and features Pakistan's leading domestic players. He believes the tournament can help build the depth Pakistan will need for the World Cup.
"Whenever we go to a World Cup, we face a lot of injuries. In case there are any injuries before the World Cup, we will already have players available. The tournament pool will make it easier for us to find replacements," Afridi said.
The left-arm pacer also stressed the importance of letting players operate in their preferred roles. "This tournament will give everyone an opportunity to play according to their respective positions," he said.
He added that performances in the competition could directly shape Pakistan's World Cup planning. "All the players will try to put in good performances. As I said, our focus is on the World Cup. Besides individual performances, the performances and fitness of other players will also be assessed," Afridi said.
MORE: 'Babar Azam is inexperienced': Pakistan told to shield captain from English media and send Shan Masood for interactions during England tour
Why Afridi's guarded response speaks volumes
There is a quiet honesty in Afridi's choice of words that reflects the precarious nature of captaincy in Pakistan cricket. A skipper truly secure in his position would simply say yes, and the qualifier "for now" betrays an awareness that his tenure is far from guaranteed with Babar's shadow looming over the role.
The wider concern for Pakistan is the instability itself. Afridi has led Lahore Qalandars to three PSL titles and was appointed to build towards the World Cup, yet the constant leadership churn undermines any long-term planning.
If the PCB hands Babar the all-format captaincy, it will mark yet another reversal in a cycle that has rarely served Pakistan well, and Afridi's guarded response suggests he knows exactly how these situations tend to unfold.
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