Hasan Ali picks Pakistan star who can replace Babar Azam as next Pakistan captain
Shadab Khan is one of the best all-rounders in world cricket as of this moment and has been performing on the big stage for quite some time now. His batting figures are impressive as he can anchor an innings as well as smash the ball for sixes at the back end of the innings. Shadab, also a frontline leg-spinner in the side, has the ability to trouble the batters with accurate line and length, which fetches him wickets on most occasions.
Pakistan hasn’t been in the greatest of forms since the 20-20 World Cup that took place in Australia in October 2022. Since then Pakistan have lost three Tests, drawn two, lost two ODIs and won only one. There have been rumours around Babar Azam’s captaincy and how it is advisable if he could drop captaincy in one format.
He has proved himself as a captain in PSL: Hasan Ali
Shadab is currently the captain of Islamabad United and the vice-captain of Pakistan. According to Hasan Ali, his Islamabad teammate, Shadab Khan is ready for the captaincy of the Pakistan team. “He is ready [for Pakistan captaincy]. He has proved himself as a captain in PSL. I think he has also led Pakistan in two matches, so I think he is ready. He is always ready for any challenge and gives his best,” said Ali during a press conference in Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Shadab has captained Pakistan for two games and has also captained Islamabad United in 32 games. He has won 17 games and lost 15 with the PSL side. He will be the captain for the upcoming edition of the PSL and will be hoping to lead Islamabad United to the final and also win the title.
It will be a huge task for Shadab to take up the captaincy role for the national team. But if Babar as well as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) feel that he must drop captaincy in any one format, it looks like it would most likely be in the T20Is, considering that there is a 50-over World Cup this year. Shadab has achieved a lot of success in T20Is and can be a successful T20I captain for Pakistan.
