Former Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has made a strong case for Shadab Khan to take over as Pakistan’s full-time T20I captain. In an exclusive interview with PakPassion, Imad made his stance crystal clear.
What Imad Wasim Said
Imad stated, “Shadab Khan is the right guy for Pakistan T20I captaincy. I think it is the right time and I don’t see anyone else doing the job. Shadab is the only guy left. He knows the game.”
He acknowledged that every captain makes mistakes but firmly believes Shadab has the game awareness and leadership qualities to lead the side effectively. Imad also suggested that Shadab understands modern T20 cricket better than most and can handle pressure situations.
Shadab’s Captaincy Record
This would not be Shadab’s first stint as captain. He previously led Pakistan in two T20I series:
- 2020 – Tour of New Zealand (series lost 2-1)
- 2023 – Against Afghanistan in Sharjah (series lost 2-1)
His recent performances have also raised questions about his place in the team. In 2026, he took nine wickets across 11 innings at an average of 29, while scoring 217 runs with a strike rate of 160.
The Other Side of the Debate
Not everyone agrees with Imad. Former captain Shahid Afridi delivered a scathing assessment, saying, “Looking at his performance, I wouldn’t even keep him in the team, let alone give him the captaincy.”
Afridi instead backed Fakhar Zaman, stating, “I want an aggressive captain. Right now, only one player fits the bill, and that is Fakhar.”
Some critics argue that Shadab’s recent form with both bat and ball does not justify a leadership role. They point to his inconsistent performances and believe Pakistan needs a captain who is guaranteed a place in the playing XI based on performance alone.
The Bigger Picture
Pakistan’s T20I leadership has been unstable. When Salman Ali Agha was appointed captain, he became Pakistan’s fourth T20I skipper in 12 months. The team’s failure to reach semifinals in four consecutive ICC events has forced the PCB to reassess their leadership structure.
Shan Masood’s Test captaincy is also under scrutiny, and Babar Azam is reportedly being considered to return as Test captain. This shows the PCB is actively looking for stability across all formats.
What Do You Think?
Imad believes Shadab is the right choice due to his experience and understanding of the game. Afridi argues his recent performances don’t even warrant a place in the team.
Shadab is still only 28 years old and has plenty of cricket ahead of him. His experience in leagues around the world gives him exposure to different conditions and tactics. He has also been vice-captain for several years, so the transition would be smooth.
But the question remains: does he deserve the captaincy based on current form?
Where do you stand? Should Shadab Khan be Pakistan’s next full-time T20I captain, or should the board look elsewhere? Drop your thoughts below.
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