‘For now, I am the captain’: Afridi breaks silence on Babar captaincy reports
Shaheen Shah Afridi stated he is currently the captain of Pakistan's ODI team. He is focusing on the National Champions Cup to build team depth. This tournament will help identify potential replacements for the World Cup. Speculation continues regarding Babar Azam potentially leading across all formats. The Pakistan Cricket Board has not officially confirmed any leadership changes.
Pakistan's ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has confirmed he will continue as the team's leader until the 2027 World Cup, despite rumors pointing to Babar Azam potentially assuming the role across all formats. At a press conference, Afridi was asked directly if the Pakistan Cricket Board had confirmed his status as captain for the World Cup.
"For now, I am the captain," Afridi stated. Instead of focusing on the leadership uncertainty, he shifted his attention to the upcoming National Champions Cup tournament, which runs from August 11 to 18. Afridi believes the competition can help build depth in Pakistan's squad for the World Cup, as injuries are common during major tournaments.
He emphasized the importance of players performing in their preferred roles during the tournament, as it could influence Pakistan's World Cup planning. Afridi was appointed as ODI captain in October 2025, replacing Mohammad Rizwan, but Pakistan's leadership structure has remained unstable. Babar Azam has reportedly been considered for a larger leadership role, though there has been no official confirmation.
Afridi has made it clear that his immediate focus is on leading the team and preparing for the World Cup, as Pakistan faces a busy schedule including tri-series commitments and a five-match series in England.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
